TEACHERS’ GENDER AND ITS EFFECT ON THE PERFORMANCE OF STUDENTS IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE A Case Study of Selected Secondary Schools of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State,

Introduction
Gender refers to socially constructed differences between male and female.
Scholars, policymakers, and practitioners have observed and seem to agree upon
socially constructed differences between male and female and its significant effects
in their lives. Studies conducted across the world among the students studying in
different levels found a significant gender difference in academic performance. Several
studies have reported that female students outperform their male counterparts (Orabi,
2007; Dayioglu & Turut, 2007; Khwaileh & Zaza, 2010). Ghazvini & Khajehpour (2011)
further argued that even gender difference exists at the level of cognitive functioning in
the academic environment. Girls are likely to be more adaptive in learning in a different
environment. However, Wangu (2014) in a study conducted among the students of
secondary schools in Kenya observed boys passing more than girls. On the other hand,
Goni et al. (2015) in a study conducted among college-going students did not observe the
significant gender difference in academic performance.
Studies have also observed gender inequality in the classroom because of instructional design during teaching and learning process. Sometimes, teachers tend to unconsciously adopt stereotypical routine or practice that separates boys and girls. Knupfer (1997:34) stated, “Teachers still persist in the practice of performing lines, determining groups and awardwinning prizes by gender”. Similarly, Spender (1982) argued that teachers tend to give different types of attention to boys and girls. According to Spender, girls are praised for their appearance, good behavior and neat work. Gibbs (1994) stated that boys talk more than girls in the classroom. It seems even associated with the values of a person or society. For example, when boys call out
teachers, it seems acceptable whereas when a girl calls out, she is sometimes scolded and is told that calling out teacher by a girl is not an appropriate behavior. This strongly indicates that boys should be more assertive and girls should be passive which may lead to poor performance and failure in girls.