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ERIC Number: ED276615
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1986-Apr
Pages: 21
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Girls and Mathematics: The New Math Program.
van der Werf, Greetje
In the Netherlands, a mathematical curriculum change has occurred in the secondary (grammar) school. The new curriculum consists of two programs, Math A and Math B. Students can choose one or both of these programs. Math A prepares for university studies in humanities and economics, while Math B prepares for studies in science, technics, agriculture, and medicine. The first results of the effects of the new curriculum, now used in 52 grammar schools, are reported in this paper. It was found that girls choose more mathematics than before. A similar but less evident effect was found for boys. Girls also choose more Math A, while boys choose more Math B, or both courses. Students, especially girls, who follow Math A perceived the subject less as a male domain than those who follow the traditional program. There is no effect of Math A on perceived relevance and perceived own abilities. It is concluded that the new curriculum has a positive effect on the choice of mathematics by girls, but girls appear to choose Math A to exclude themselves from many university studies. Results of Math A on attitudes toward mathematics should be interpreted with care. Several tables are included. (MNS)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: State Univ. of Groningen (Netherlands). Inst. for Educational Research.
Identifiers - Location: Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A