Gender Differences in Attitude and Problem-Solving Strategies of STEM Students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Over the years, literature shows that males are believed to be dominant in mathematical problem solving as compared to females. However, Hyde (2017) in her study about the new trends in gender mathematics performance, revealed findings that males and females perform similarly.

METHODS

The study used mixed method research design. Quantitative treatment of data is used to identify the perceived attitudes and values of the participants towards Mathematics while descriptive qualitative design was utilized to determine the inherent gender differences in problem solving between males and females.

RESULTS

The study found out that males are perceived to be more confident, enthusiastic, and eager in asking and answering questions during Mathematics class as observed by their peers and teacher. Males have dominant behavior in conceptual, procedural, problem-solving skills, and strategies and communication skills.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of the study qualify the idea of the male attitude dominance toward Mathematics in the field of STEM. Furthermore, males also exhibit ascendancy in the following problem-solving skills: procedural, problem-solving skills and strategies and communication skills. The analyses of the mathematical process still reveal distinct gender differences in attitude and problem-solving strategies among STEM students.