Primary socialization and pedagogic practice: their influence on the differential level of performance of boys and girls in the disciplines of physical and natural sciences

Abstract

This study is part of a wider work which assumes that the high conceptual level demanded by modern courses of natural and physical sciences in secondary schools and the low level of performance of pupils from the working classes are related. To understand the complex interactions underlying the pupils' failure, other factors possibly influencing it, namely sex, have also been studied. This paper describes how the author attempted to analyse the connections between sex and the pupils' performance, the standards of such connections and their reasons. Particularly, if a great deal of abstraction is required, the outcomes show a differential level of performance associated to sex, and make it clear how it lies upon the class origin. The analysis of a especial teaching program points out some solutions.