GENDER DIFFERENCE ON ATTITUDE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF MATHEMATICS STUDENTS IN JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL IN BOSSO LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGER STATE

Abstract

The research work explored gender difference on attitude toward teaching and learning of mathematics in junior secondary school. A survey research design was used coupled absolute performance differences between males (boys) and females (girls). Data were collected through self-administered questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was used. Three hundred and fifty students were used a sample size. The result was collected and analyzed using simple percentages, mean and standard deviation while hypothesis was tested using Chi-square and t-test tool. The research finds out that there is significant difference between males and females students attitude toward mathematics and that there is a significant difference of performance based on gender. A recommendation was made based on the research that Mathematics teachers should carefully identify students with more positive attitudes towards learning mathematics and encourage them, while those with more negative attitudes should be guided appropriately.