The International Observatory on Academic Achievement - Documentary search

File number :
IST-ISC-04e

Bibliographic reference :
Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (2003). Motivation et performance scolaire : les filles creusent l’écart. [En ligne]. <http://www.insee.fr/fr/home/home_page.asp>
Consulté le 19 octobre 2005

Abstract :

The Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques (INSEE) gathers, generates and disseminates information on economics and society in France. This data is made available to parties interested in their use in studies, forecasts and decision-making processes. The Motivation et performance scolaire : les filles creusent l’écart newsletter describes the gaps in academic achievement and motivation between male and female students in France.

Since the 1970s, female students have caught up with, and even outdone, male counterparts in terms of academic achievement. The gaps are more striking in French, the language of instruction, and are prevalent at the primary level as well as at the end of compulsory schooling. For instance, in 2001-2002, evaluations conducted with 650,000 17-year-old youths revealed that 14.5% of male students experienced difficulties with reading assignments necessary in daily life, as opposed to only 9.4% of female students.

Female students’ keener interest in reading and literature appeared as a factor explaining their better performance in school. Other explanatory elements could include female students’ better school behaviour and quite marked interest in school, and the fact that 38% of male students reported being bored in school, as opposed to 29% of female students.

However, female students’ academic performance is not superior in all areas. Based on international survey data, French male students still perform better in mathematics and perform as well as female students in sciences. These differences in performance based on subjects taught reflect on career choices that male and female students make. Female students choose much fewer scientific streams than male students and continue to show a preference for professions in law, psychology and journalism.

Links :
http://www.insee.fr/fr/home/home_page.asp

Key Words :
Educational Indicators, Gender, Motivation, Career Choice, Reading Skills, Academic Performances, International Comparisons, Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques

Monitored Countries :
France