Gender equity in the mathematics classroom : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

There is much current debate about the nature of the gender gap occurring in classrooms. Some researchers argue that it has actually reversed, with females outperforming males academically. While others claim that there exists a gender gap in favor of males in high-level mathematics classes. 1 decided to explore this topic by creating and distributing my own survey in an eighth-grade mathematics classroom. I give a brief analysis of the factors that research has suggested may contribute to female underperformance and lack of participation in higher-level mathematics courses and careers. Then, the paper analyzes at what level each of the genders are performing mathematically as well as their various attitudes about such factors. Conclusions drawn from the resulting data are also included.