Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Study: Girls Lagging in Math Due to Anxiety, Early on
Girls often don't do as well in math as boys, and this problem starts early.
A study in France looked at how kids did in math from the start of school.
It found that after only a few months, boys started doing better.
The study suggests that girls feel more anxious about math, especially with tests that are timed or competitive.
Also, if people think boys are naturally better at math, it can make the problem worse.
Some schools are trying new ways of teaching, like having kids work together, to help girls do better in math.
Girls lag behind boys in mathematics across much of the world, impacting career choices and earnings.
A French study tracked 2.6 million children from age six, revealing a gender gap emerging within four months of schooling.
The study found the gap widened among children from higher-income families and families with scientist parents.
Researchers suggest that anxiety, time pressure, and competitive testing contribute to the divergence.
Collaborative learning and different testing methods are being explored to address the gap.
- Who
- The study tracked 2.6 million children; girls are lagging in math.
- What
- Girls are falling behind boys in mathematics.
- When
- A study showed the gap emerging within the first four months of schooling.
- Where
- The study was conducted in France, but the issue affects many countries.
- Why
- Researchers believe anxiety, competitive testing, and stereotypes contribute to the gap.
Traditional Teaching Methods
Alternative Teaching Methods
Teaching Methods
Traditional Teaching Methods
Traditional teaching methods are well-established and effective.
Alternative Teaching Methods
Alternative methods, such as group problem-solving, may be more effective.
- Study location
- France
- Participants
- 2.6 million children
- Initial Observation
- No clear difference at the start of school
- Gap Emergence
- Within four months of schooling
- Key factor
- Anxiety