Assessing gender disparities and variability in STEM education using subject scores

The study claims that gender greatly affects STEM performance, with one gender continuously outperforming another, which may influence instructors' methods. One gender's performance ratings vary more than the other, suggesting STEM academic success is inconsistent. We collected data using varied methodologies. STEM enrolment and performance data were evaluated using Python statistical analysis programs with mean, median, and variability evaluations, and boxplots, pie charts, and bar charts were shown. This study found that (i) STEM qualifications have significant enrolment disparities, with Extended BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology being the most popular and Extended BSc Mathematics and Statistics being the least, and (ii) curriculum attractiveness and employment prospects strongly influence student selections. Female students excelled in Biology, Chemistry, and English, while male students excelled in IT and Mathematics. Finally, informed policy formulation and curriculum development are needed to improve STEM student engagement and achievement across genders.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478)
Published
2025-03-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i2.3902
Primary Topic
Career Development and Diversity
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Assessing gender disparities and variability in STEM education using subject scores

Vuledzani Makhoshi, Rendani Netshikweta, Vhutshilo Nekhubvi, Vhutshilo Molaudzi et al.
International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478)
Career Development and Diversity
article

Assessing gender disparities and variability in STEM education using subject scores

Vuledzani Makhoshi, Rendani Netshikweta, Vhutshilo Nekhubvi, Vhutshilo Molaudzi, Thakhani Ravele, Ndivhuwo Ndou
article en

Abstract

The study claims that gender greatly affects STEM performance, with one gender continuously outperforming another, which may influence instructors' methods. One gender's performance ratings vary more than the other, suggesting STEM academic success is inconsistent. We collected data using varied methodologies. STEM enrolment and performance data were evaluated using Python statistical analysis programs with mean, median, and variability evaluations, and boxplots, pie charts, and bar charts were shown. This study found that (i) STEM qualifications have significant enrolment disparities, with Extended BSc Biochemistry and Microbiology being the most popular and Extended BSc Mathematics and Statistics being the least, and (ii) curriculum attractiveness and employment prospects strongly influence student selections. Female students excelled in Biology, Chemistry, and English, while male students excelled in IT and Mathematics. Finally, informed policy formulation and curriculum development are needed to improve STEM student engagement and achievement across genders.

International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478)Vol. 14(2)
University of Venda (ZA)
Openalex Percentile: Top 96%
Career Development and Diversity
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Assessing gender disparities and variability in STEM education using subject scores — Vuledzani Makhoshi, Rendani Netshikweta, et al. · International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478) (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS