• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.732-742
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• 2006

This study expects to understand Korean girls' weaknesses in science achievement and to make suggestions for improvement. The analyses of 95 released items in TIMSS 2003 show that Korean girls had few difficulties in 'inference and analysis', 'very hard or very easy' items, 'previously-learned' items, and items presented in context of 'school science'. They achieved lower in items of understanding science concept or factual knowledge. Inference and analysis items, which were favorable to girls, worked unfavorably to them as case science knowledge intervened. Girls outperformed boys in items with 80% or more and with 20% or less percent correct. Also, the boys showed much higher achievement in previously learned and contextualized items, which proves girls' lack of interest in science in everyday life. On the base of item analysis, several suggestions were made for the girl-inclusive science education in Korea: First, girls should have more opportunities for science experience not only in school context but also in everyday life. Second, more teaching and learning programs should be developed to care girls' weaknesses in science learning. Lastly, gender issues in science education should be actively included in curriculum development process and teacher training programs.