The Attitude of Girls Toward Learning Science Subjects in Secondary Schools in Tanzania; The Case of Sumbawanga Municipal

Kayanda, Fransisca (2023) The Attitude of Girls Toward Learning Science Subjects in Secondary Schools in Tanzania; The Case of Sumbawanga Municipal. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study assessed girls' attitudes towards learning science subjects in Tanzania's secondary schools. The main specific objectives were to examine girls‟ preferences for science and other subjects, to assess the attitude of girl students and to find out the challenges facing the girl student when learning science subjects in Sumbawanga Municipal secondary schools. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used in the study. The sample was selected by using both Purposive and Simple Random Sampling Techniques. The data collection methods included; Interview; data collection Instruments, Focus group discussion and Observation methods. Data were analysed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. The findings revealed that most girls prefer other subjects to science, referring it as a hard. Teachers had positive opinions about girls' ability to do science, but faced obstacles such as a shortage of science teachers. The majority of girls‟ experiences of science subjects were negative and this deterred them from taking science subjects although they were aware of its importance. The findings further revealed that lack of competent science teachers, lack of parental support, traditional gender roles, biological factors, and limited resources are other factors influencing girls‟ attitudes towards learning science subjects. The study recommends constructions of Dormitories for girl students, making all subjects compulsory, introducing strategies to change mindsets, employing competent science teachers, and educating the community to remove negative beliefs about science in order to improve the attitudes of girls towards learning science subjects.

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