COUNSELLING FOR GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION OF AND INTEREST IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ONDO

The study examined gender differences in perception of and interest in science and technology. A survey research design was used in the study. The population for the study comprised all Junior Secondary three students in Ondo. The sample consisted of 223 students (128 male and 96 female) randomly selected from six secondary schools Questionnaire on Gender Perception and Interest in Science and Technology was used to collect data for the study. The psychometric properties of the instrument were established and the reliability coefficients of 0.74 and 0.71 for perception and interest in science and technology respectively were obtained using the Cronbach’s Alpha Statistics. Data collected were analysed using t-test. The results revealed that there is no significant difference in the perception of male and female secondary school students in science and technology while significant difference exists between male and female students in their interest in science and technology. The study therefore recommended that counsellors should organize group counselling on regular by basis to arouse students’ interest especially girls in science and technology. Parents-Teachers Association forum should also be used to sensitize parents and teachers to encourage female students to choose careers in science and technology for the development of the country. Counsellors should render liason service to link brilliant female students with governmental and non-governmental organizations that could sponsor their education. Students should be taken on tours to places that would encourage interest in science and technology