Dataset Information

Meta-analysis of Gender Performance Gaps in Undergraduate Natural Science Courses.

ABSTRACT: To investigate patterns of gender-based performance gaps, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies and unpublished data collected across 169 undergraduate biology and chemistry courses. While we did not detect an overall gender gap in performance, heterogeneity analyses suggested further analysis was warranted, so we investigated whether attributes of the learning environment impacted performance disparities on the basis of gender. Several factors moderated performance differences, including class size, assessment type, and pedagogy. Specifically, we found evidence that larger classes, reliance on exams, and undisrupted, traditional lecture were associated with lower grades for women. We discuss our results in the context of natural science courses and conclude by making recommendations for instructional practices and future research to promote gender equity.

SUBMITTER: Odom S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8715812 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Meta-analysis of Gender Performance Gaps in Undergraduate Natural Science Courses.

Odom Sara S Boso Halle H Bowling Scott S Brownell Sara S Cotner Sehoya S Creech Catherine C Drake Abby Grace AG Eddy Sarah S Fagbodun Sheritta S Hebert Sadie S James Avis C AC Just Jan J St Juliana Justin R JR Shuster Michele M Thompson Seth K SK Whittington Richard R Wills Bill D BD Wilson Alan E AE Zamudio Kelly R KR Zhong Min M Ballen Cissy J CJ

CBE life sciences education 20210901 3

To investigate patterns of gender-based performance gaps, we conducted a meta-analysis of published studies and unpublished data collected across 169 undergraduate biology and chemistry courses. While we did not detect an overall gender gap in performance, heterogeneity analyses suggested further analysis was warranted, so we investigated whether attributes of the learning environment impacted performance disparities on the basis of gender. Several factors moderated performance differences, incl ...[more]

PMID: 34283633

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Dataset Information

Meta-analysis of Gender Performance Gaps in Undergraduate Natural Science Courses.

Publications

Meta-analysis of Gender Performance Gaps in Undergraduate Natural Science Courses.

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