Study On Cognitive Development Regarding the Acquisition of Basic Geometric Concepts Among Middle School Children with Special Reference to Gender Differences.

Authors: Dr. Chandrani Acharya Roy

Pages: 43-51

Abstract:

Maths and Geometry are both liked and feared by generations of students. Math is generally seen as a male domain, much research has gone into finding out the truths whether boys are really better at maths, than girls. While some findings show gender equity others reinforce male superiority in mathematics. In our culture gender divide is often very apparent. This probably affects spatial skills differently of boys and girls as also their competence in geometry. This study has also attempted to find out whether there is indeed any gender disparity in learning geometry and whether this is affected by class (VII and IX), locality (urban/ rural) and by parents’ profession. The sample consisted of 1030 boys and girls in class VII and IX in Kolkata and surrounding districts. The tools consisted of a personal data sheet and a scale entitled “How Much Geometry Do You Really Know ?” constructed by the investigator. Quantitative techniques of data analysis revealed that boys scored higher than girls in geometry achievement. This was consistently apparent in nearly all subgroups of the sample.