Title: Female students' attitudes to and achievement in mathematics and science in selected secondary schools in Omdurman, Sudan

Authors: James S. Etim; Randa Gindeel

Addresses: Department of Education, Winston Salem State University, Winston Salem, NC 27110, USA ' School of Rural Extension, Education and Development, Ahfad University for Women, Arda Street, Omdurman, Sudan

Abstract: The STEM fields are important for economic development. However, in many African countries, the numbers, prevalence, and persistence of female students in these fields are low. The purpose of the study was to find out among other things female students 1) attitudes and interests in science and mathematics; 2) achievement in mathematics and science based on teacher made tests. Using as stratified random sampling technique, 200 high school students were selected and given questionnaires to complete. 191 subjects returned questionnaires that on analysis showed that student interests in mathematics and science were 'high', student perception of their achievement in teacher made tests in mathematics and science were 'high', and, 58.1% indicated they wanted to spend their life and careers in areas related to mathematics and science. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to help improve participation and achievement of girls in mathematics and science.

Keywords: student achievement; student attitudes; student interests; girls; secondary schools; STEM areas; female students; science; mathematics; secondary education; Sudan; female participation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2015.075795

International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 2015 Vol.6 No.4, pp.331 - 342

Received: 07 May 2015
Accepted: 04 Nov 2015

Published online: 05 Apr 2016 *

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