Project Abstract

ABSTRACT This research study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the academic performance of male and female secondary school students at Government Day Secondary School, Arkilla, Sokoto State. The study will focus on assessing the differences in the academic achievement of male and female students in various subjects and overall performance. The research will investigate factors such as study habits, parental involvement, and teacher-student interactions that may influence the academic outcomes of male and female students. The study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of academic records and test scores with qualitative data obtained through surveys and interviews with students, teachers, and parents. By examining both quantitative data and qualitative insights, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to the academic performance of male and female students at the selected secondary school. The research will also explore any existing gender disparities in access to educational resources, extracurricular opportunities, and support systems within the school environment. By identifying potential disparities and challenges faced by male and female students, the study aims to make recommendations for improving educational outcomes and promoting gender equality in secondary education. The findings of this research study have the potential to inform educational policies and practices aimed at addressing gender disparities in academic achievement. By understanding the factors that influence the performance of male and female students, educators and policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support the academic success of all students, regardless of gender. Overall, this research study contributes to the existing literature on gender differences in academic performance and provides valuable insights into the specific context of Government Day Secondary School, Arkilla, Sokoto State. The study's findings may have implications for improving educational outcomes not only at the selected school but also for similar secondary schools in Sokoto State and beyond. By promoting gender equality and addressing disparities in academic achievement, this research aims to contribute to the overall improvement of secondary education in Nigeria.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1         Background to the Study

Over the years, the academic performance of students in secondary schools has been a source of worry to teachers, parents, educational administrators and the society at large. This is more evident in the fact that the input has not always been equivalent to the output. In other words, the knowledge impacted on students by teachers is not always seen reflecting on their performance.

Formal education which is practiced in schools cannot be complete without a certificate being given out. Before any certificate is given to any student, especially at the secondary level, there must have been an examination which would qualify such student for the next class. This kind of examination continues until a student reaches SS3, when he/she is expected to sit for West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE), and National Examination Council Examination (NECO) which are external examinations.

The importance of promotional examinations in secondary schools cannot be overemphasized for several reasons. The foremost reason for any promotional examination is that it remains the only criterion for allowing any student to move to the next class. A student is not expected to move to the next class after having failed the promotional examination, which takes place in third term of any academic session.

Previous studies on the performance of students were almost generalized for both genders. Not much has been done in attempting a comparison of the performance of males and females. This could be due to the fact that several researchers have failed to consider the possibility of having differences in the performance of both genders. If this is the case, it implies that different approaches and effort are required to assist the weaker gender.

The researcher is interested in comparing the performance of male and female secondary school students. This extends to finding out whether there is difference between the performance of males and females at secondary school level.

1.2         Statement of the Problem

The main way of showing the academic ability of any student is by having a close check on the student’s performance. Records from previous works show that at certain periods, males have performed better than their female counterparts (Oladeji & Tayo, 2011). At other times, the reverse was the case as it was recorded that females have better performance than their male counterparts ( Khan, 2012).