Gender Parity in the Teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) in Cameroon

  • Nekang, Fabian Nfon Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Buea, Cameroon
  • Nfor, Julius Cheny Lecturer, Higher Technical Teacher Training College Bambili, The University of Bamenda, Cameroon
Keywords: Gender stereotype, gender disparity, teaching of STEM, Cameroon

Abstract

The paper discusses the gender disparity in education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). It examines the fact that teachers tend to stereotype mathematics as a male domain resulting in differential treatment of males and females in classrooms. This also results in the development of gender differences in STEM. It presents extracurricular, out of school factors and socio-cultural factors which contribute substantially to poor female enrolment in school thus causing serious gender imbalance in education in Cameroon and other African countries. The paper looks at the goals that lay the foundation for global policy on quality education and gender equity in the new millennium.

References

Adelman, C. (1991). Women at thirty-something: Paradoxes of attainment. Washington DC: Office of Education Research and Improvement, U.S. Department of Education. pp. 14-25.

Cheny, J. N. (2020). Socio-economic status and female enrollment in Engineering and Technology programmes in Anglo-Saxon state universities of Cameroon. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development. 4(3), 2456-6470.

Eepue, P.O. (2006). Towards a model of Academic Excellence and Entrepreneurship in Teaching and Research, Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Integrating for Excellence, June 28-30, Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Erinasho, S.Y; (1994). In: Girls and Science Education in Nigeria, Ango International Publishing, Abeokuta, Nigeria pp. 7-11.

Ezepue, P.O (2009). Addressing Economic Development Goals in African Higher Educational Institutions through Effective Teaching of Mathematical Science-A Statisitcal Modelling Example.

FEMSA (1996). Report No. 10: Status of Girls’ Participation and Performance in SMT Subjects in Secondary Schools, FAWE, Kenya.

FEMSA (1996). Report No. 9: Status of Girls Participation and Performance in SMT Subjects in Primary Schools, FAWE, Kenya.

Fennea, E. (1990). Teachers Beliefs and Gender Differences in Mathematics. Mathematics and Gender. New York: Teachers’ College Press pp. 169-187.

Kahle J.B. and Meec’e (1994). Research on Gender Issues in the Classroom. In A.B. Champagne (ed.) Handbook of Research on Science Teaching and Teaching New York: Macmillan.

Mallam, W.A (1993). Impact of School-type and Sex of the Teacher on Female Students’ Attitude Towards Mathematics in Nigeria Secondary Schools. Educational Studies in Mathematics. 24, pp 223-229.

McGuiness, C. (2005). Behind the acquisition Metaphor: Conceptions of Learning and Learning Outcomes in TLRP School-based projects, The Curriculum Journal 16(1), pp. 31-47.

Nekang, F. N. (2016). Principles and Practice of Mathematics Education in Cameroon. Yaoundé: NEC- Yaoundé. ISBN: 995643690-9.

Nekang, F. N. and U.N.V Agwagah (2011). A Review of the Teaching of Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) for Attainment of the Seven Point Agenda in Nigeria: Implications for Gender Parity. African Journal of Social Sciences, 2 (2) 12 - 24. Agwecams Printers, Bamenda.

Ogunjuyigbe, P.O, Liasu, A.S and Sulaiman, A.(2008). Gender Differences in Science Mathematics and Technology: Why do fewer females participate in SMT course in Nigeria? http://www.acardemicjournals.org//NGOJ pp.1-7.

Oyebade, S. A. (2007). Gender Participation in University Education in Nigeria and some Commonwealth Countries. Reforming Higher Education in Africa, pp. 284-307.

Torto, Rita (2004). Extracurricular and out of school factors affecting girls’ participation and performance in SMT subjects: (Home/Community factors, distance from school, safety, time use), DEA.

UNESCO (2007). Sciences, Technology and Gender: An International Report.

Zonta International (2007). Zonta International Position Paper. Improving the Access of Women and Girls to Science, Mathematics and Technology Education.

Published
2024-01-30
How to Cite
[1]
Nfon , N.F. and Cheny , N.J. 2024. Gender Parity in the Teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Stem) in Cameroon. International Journal on Integrated Education. 7, 1 (Jan. 2024), 76-84. DOI:https://doi.org/10.31149/ijie.v7i1.5175.
Section
Articles