Paper Title :African Women in Science: Cultural Influences on Motivation to Learn Science? Gender Differences in Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination of High School Students in Kenya
Author :Teresa T. Mutahi, Michael W. Gachahi
Article Citation :Teresa T. Mutahi ,Michael W. Gachahi ,
(2018 ) " African Women in Science: Cultural Influences on Motivation to Learn Science? Gender Differences in Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination of High School Students in Kenya " ,
International Journal of Management and Applied Science (IJMAS) ,
pp. 68-72,
Volume-4,Issue-10
Abstract : Science, technology and higher education have been cited as drivers of the 21st century economy. However, the
African continent still lags behind in STEM education, scientific and technological development. For girls, they further lag
behind in education achievement than boys do. Culturally, science is still seen as a field reserved for boys. Girls in Kenya and
most of Africa are assigned home keeping and family care roles, which in turn affects their motivation and interest to learn
science and pursuing science careers. Using a validated Science Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ II) with high school students
in Kenya (N=600), this study shows significant gender differences in levels of both intrinsic motivation and self-determination
to learn science. Male students exhibited higher levels of intrinsic motivation and self-determination compared to female
students. Spreading cultural awareness on women’s abilities in science and professional STEM careers, students’ engagement
in STEM inquiry based learning and increased visibility of female scientists as role models are recommended. Such efforts by
the government, organizations and communities would help address the existing lower cultural expectations on science
abilities for girls.
Index terms- African Women, Intrinsic Motivation, Self-determination, Science Motivation
Type : Research paper
Published : Volume-4,Issue-10
DOIONLINE NO - IJMAS-IRAJ-DOIONLINE-14024
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Copyright: © Institute of Research and Journals
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Published on 2019-01-02 |
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