GENDER ISSUES IN ACHIEVEMENT IN LEBANON

Abstract

This study investigated gender differences in achievement in Lebanon. Data were obtained from the achievement results on the Monitoring Learning Achievement Project administered in Lebanon on 4th elementary and 4th intermediate students. Representative samples of students were tested in five subjects: Arabic, Foreign Language (English or French), Mathematics, Science and Life Skills. Gender difference in achievement in different subjects, content areas and learning outcomes within subject were investigated using chi-square analysis. The results proved to be consistent at both the elementary and intermediate levels. There were significant differences in the languages in favor of the girls. Performance in mathematics and sciences did not prove to be statistically different for boys and girls. However, there were some differences in performance in some content areas and learning outcomes. Girls had an advantage in overall achievement, while performance in life skills was significantly different at the intermediate level only. Cross-cultural comparisons were done, and attempts were made to explain the Lebanese case.