고교생의 성별에 따른 과학과목의 성취도 차이의 원인에 대한 연구

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

It is well known that high school girls` mean achievement levels in science tests are lower than high school boys` and that fewer women then men are employed as scientists and engineers or pursue scientific careers. Many research attributed the sex difference in achievement level in science and the lack of women in science among others, to the experiential differences in scientific activities and the differences in attitudes toward science and scientists. Therefore, the study had its object to examine the sex difference by high school students in scientific experience and attitudes toward science and scientists. The differences in science experiences were identified at eight schools over rural and urban areas in Kangwon province. Science activities surveyed included use of experimental materials and instruments, observation of scientific phenomena, and extracurricular scientific activities. Attitude scale contained the nature of science, scientific research methods and philosophical views held by scientists. The study found sex differences in scientific experiences and attitudes. i. e.: fewer high school girls than boys had experience with scientific activities, especially with extracurricular activities; however, girls had more positive attitude toward science and more active desire to participate in science. Consequently, the study implies that, in order to narrow the gaps between achievement levels for boys and girls, science education should take consideration of the sex difference in experiences with and attitudes toward science.