Vocaciones matemáticas en la última etapa de educación primariaperspectiva de género

Resumo

In this paper we present the results of an investigation to diagnose the issue of mathematical vocations in the last stage of Primary Education, with special emphasis on girls in the third stage of Primary Education. A mixed focus study was carried out on a sample of 340 of schoolchildren between 9 and 12 years old from educational centers in the municipalities of Vigo and Pontevedra. The data collection instruments were a 28-question questionnaire, interviews and discussion groups on the perception, knowledge and assessment of different aspects related to the question of mathematical vocations. The analysis of the data obtained shows that there is a clear difference in self-concept in boys and girls with respect to mathematics, girls believe that they have more difficulties to work with the subject and they think that they are more difficult. In general, individuals recognize the usefulness and importance of mathematics, but not its realization in professional activity or in daily life, associating mathematics with calculation. Finally, a gender bias was found in the responses consistent with traditionally feminized professions. Furthermore, it was found that girls are more aware of the application of mathematics than boys.