Analysis of core courses, electives, and immersion selectivity of senior high school students: Trends of gender disparity in physics education

Authors

Bhazel Anne R. Pelicano ⋅ PH Philippine Science High School – Main Campus and Faculty of Education, University of the Philippines Open University
Rey Niño N. Baguio ⋅ PH Philippine Science High School – Main Campus
Maria Lourdes T. Jarabe ⋅ PH Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University
Leo Mendel D. Rosario ⋅ PH Faculty of Education and Faculty of Management and Development Studies, University of the Philippines Open University

Abstract

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, in general, has a bias towards males, more specifically so with physics. A closer look at enrollment data for STEM senior high school students in a selected secondary educational institution reveals a concerning gender gap, with an average of three male students for every two female students for the last five years. This imbalance is particularly pronounced in physics enrollment from 2018-2024, where only 21% of students are female compared to 79% male. Female STEM students show a strong preference for biology and medicine-related fields, with 46% choosing medicine for their immersion program. In contrast, only 5.5% of females opt for astronomy and physics. This baseline study highlights the need to further investigate the factors contributing to the gender gap in physics education in the STEM high school system in the Philippines. Interviews and surveys with students can provide insights into their backgrounds, motivations, and perceptions that shape their educational and career choices.

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Issue

2024: Proceedings of the 42nd Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas Physics Conference

Article ID

SPP-2024-PF-20

Section

Poster Session F (High Energy Physics, Optics, and Physics Education)

Published

2024-06-29

How to Cite

[1]

BAR Pelicano, RNN Baguio, MLT Jarabe, and LMD Rosario, Analysis of core courses, electives, and immersion selectivity of senior high school students: Trends of gender disparity in physics education, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 42, SPP-2024-PF-20 (2024). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-2024-PF-20.