Gender Differences in Group Discussion Skills among High School Students in Battambang and Pailin: An Analysis of Participation, Communication, Teamwork, Critical Thinking, and Self-Reflection

This study explores gender differences in group discussion skills among high school students in Battambang and Pailin, Cambodia, with a focus on participation, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and self-reflection.Despite advances in gender equality, traditional norms and educational disparities continue to shape students' academic experiences, impacting their group interaction dynamics.Utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative design, data was collected from 797 students across 12 high schools using a structured questionnaire.The study revealed that while participation and engagement in discussions were similar between genders, notable differences emerged in communication skills, teamwork, and critical thinking.Female students demonstrated more consistent performance in expressing ideas, using body language, and seeking clarification, while male students exhibited greater variability.Additionally, female students showed stronger teamwork and conflict resolution skills, though there were no significant differences in overall academic performance or preferred pathways between genders.Data analysis using SPSS, including t-tests and reliability measures, indicated significant findings in some areas but also highlighted the limitations of the study, including potential sampling biases and a cross-sectional design.The results underscore the influence of traditional gender roles on academic interactions and suggest the need for targeted educational interventions to foster gender equity and enhance group dynamics.