Grade Seven Female Learners’ Attitudes towards Natural Sciences in Sekhukhune District, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out grade seven female learners’ the attitudes towards science and also to explore whether self-confidence towards science and knowledge about the usefulness of science influenced their attitudes. Grade seven girls’ (N=15) were the participants. A questionnaire and interview schedules were used to study the relationship between factors affecting the attitudes of young female learners towards science at the primary school. T-test show that there was a significant difference between those who has self-confidence and those who said did not (T-test; p<0.05). Thus, there was a significant difference between the two variables. Also, attitudes of female students towards science was positive, suggesting that there was a perceived increase in the enrolment of girls in science subjects. The study may help educators and curriculum designers to produce science materials that help to capture the interest(s) of female learners in science.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n14p37