Girls' Participation in Mathematics Education at the University Level
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Mathematics Education
Abstract
This study focused on girls' participation in mathematics education at the
university level. The objectives of this study was to identify girls' participation in
mathematics education at the university level and to explore factors that affect the
participation of girl's in learning mathematics at the university level. This study was
based on qualitative research design as well as case study approach to explore the
multiple realities. To meet the objectives, the researcher has selected two mathematics
classrooms and three mathematics girls who are studying mathematics at the Central
Department of Mathematics Education T.U, two mathematics teachers, and one
female rights activist, as the sample of this study. Classrooms and girls were selected
based on purposive sampling. In this study researcher used classroom observation
form and in-depth interviews. For this study,the researcher observed fifteen days in
deeply on sample classrooms and sample girls. The collected data were analyzed with
the help of the descriptive method.
The finding of this case study shows that the participation of girls in
mathematics at the university level is weak as compared to boys on classroom
regularity, involvement in group work, and involvement in peer work presentation
skills and on some approaches, girls are equally participating like doing home
assignment, interaction with teachers and peer in the mathematics classroom. The
main factors affecting the girl's participation in mathematics education are perception
of mathematics as a challenging subject,teachers' attitudes towards girls' students,
socio cultural factors, self-interest in mathematics, completion of graduation in
conjugal life and complete graduation after graduation baby birth.