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

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 3 male students for every 2 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.