La brecha en matemáticas entre niños y niñas aparece solo cuatro meses después de empezar el colegio | Ciencia | EL PAÍS

Gender Gap in Math

A study in France involving over 2.7 million students shows a significant gender gap in math appearing four months into primary school. This gap widens over time, reaching 0.20 in first grade and quadrupling by second grade.

Causes

The study points to the internalization of the sociocultural stereotype that girls are less capable in math. School environment and teaching methods are highlighted as key factors. The pandemic's school closures slowed the gap's growth, further supporting the role of the school setting.

• Cultural factors linking boys to math negatively impact girls' performance and confidence.
• Higher socioeconomic status families show an even larger gap, suggesting high expectations might disproportionately affect girls.
• Traditional teaching methods like timed tests and competitive exams exacerbate the gap.
• Teacher and student anxiety also contribute to the gap.

Solutions

Experts recommend several strategies to address the gap:

• Equitable teaching and play for both genders at home and school.
• Reducing teacher anxiety towards mathematics.
• Focusing on effort rather than inherent ability.
• Highlighting female role models in STEM fields.
• Encouraging logical thinking in both girls and boys.
• Normalizing errors as part of learning.

Addressing this early math gender gap is crucial to reverse the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields.