THE IMPACT OF GENDER DIFFERENCE ON THE STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PHYSICS IN OVIA NORTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA IN EDO STATE.

Abstract

This study investigates the possible effects of class size on student academic performance in Physics in Ovia North-East in Edo State. The study was motivated by the recent need to increase the class size (from 50 to 20 students) for Physics lessons in senior secondary schools. More so, some educationists have expressed concern that large class sizes will have a negative effect on students’ learning. Previous studies on the effects of class size on student achievement show some level of mixed effects on student learning.

This study utilizes data from a student survey conducted at five secondary schools in Ovia North-East using a WAEC standard Physics Achievement Test to estimate a regression model. The estimated model includes a measure of student academic performance (total test score) as the dependent variable, with selected independent variable such as a measure of class size. Statistical analyses were carried out to test if class size will affect the students’ academic performance in Physics. This allowed us to determine whether or not large class sizes have a negative effect on our students’ learning.

The results of this study will be used to make future policy decisions with regard to increase funding of secondary school education in Nigeria.