Selvan Perumal

The role of difficulty and gender in numbers, algebra, geometry and mathematics achievement

This study aims to identify the role of difficulty and gender in numbers, algebra, geometry and mathematics achievement among secondary schools students in Jordan. The respondent of the study were 337 students from eight public secondary school in Alkoura district by using stratified random sampling. The study comprised of 179 (53%) males and 158 (47%) females students. The mathematics test comprises of 30 items which has eight items for numbers, 14 items for algebra and eight items for geometry. Based on difficulties among male and female students, the findings showed that item 4 (fractions – 0.34) was most difficult for male students and item 6 (square roots – 0.39) for females in numbers. For the algebra, item 11 (inequality – 0.23) was most difficult for male students and item 6 (algebraic expressions – 0.35) for female students. In geometry, item 3 (reflection – 0.34) was most difficult for male students and item 8 (volume – 0.33) for female students. Based on gender differences, female students show...

Mathematics achievement based on gender among eight grade school students in Jordan

The purpose of this study is to identify the differences in gender base on numbers, algebra, geometry and mathematics achievement among Jordanian 8th grade school students. The respondent of this study were 337 students from eight public secondary schools in Alkoura district and selected by using stratified random sampling. The study comprised of 179 (53%) males and 158 (47%) females students. The mathematics test comprises of 30 items which has eight items for numbers, 14 items for algebra and eight items for geometry. Finding from independent sample t-test shows that female student score higher than male students in numbers, algebra, mathematics achievement and spatial visualization. There is no significant difference in geometry base for gender. This study also indicates that numbers, algebra and mathematics achievement favorable to female and bias to male students. The main recommendations from this study are for teachers and other educational professionals to focus on the numbers and algebra for male...