The objective of this study is to analyze the mathematics performance of Mexican students in their final year of primary education, using multivariate and nested logit regression models to determine the qualitative factors that influence their results. The analysis incorporates a gender equity perspective, recognizing that primary mathematics education is the gateway to STEM career paths, where gender gaps widen at subsequent educational levels, jeopardizing the achievement of SDGs 4 and 5. The results of the PLANEA test, administered to 104,973 students from 3,573 schools nationwide during the 2017-2018 school year, are considered. The results show no significant differences in average mathematics performance by sex; however, the disaggregated analysis reveals that the determining factors operate differently for boys and girls. Maternal education is highly relevant for both sexes, although it has a greater impact on girls. Math anxiety exhibits a significantly higher negative coefficient in girls (-0.13737) than in boys (-0.02488), a pattern documented as a predictor of dropping out of the STEM pipeline. Other determining variables include the level of distraction, the type of school, and family structure; students living with both parents achieve better results, while the lowest results are obtained by those living only with their mother, particularly for boys. These findings underscore the need for early interventions that strengthen girls' mathematical self-efficacy and reduce differentiated anxiety, preventing them from dropping out of the STEM pipeline at later stages.

Authors:
Luis Enrique García-Pérez, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico
Nora Gavira-Durón, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico
Muhammad Kashif, Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico

About the Presenter(s)
Luis Enrique García-Pérez. Professor at UDLAP. Interests: energy economics, sustainable development, education. Current: gender equity in primary mathematics and STEM pathways in Mexico.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/luis-enrique-garcia-perez-26665610b/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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