Chapter 13: Discovering the Potential of Gifted Females in Mathematics

Research studies on gender differences in mathematics have been conducted in many developed countries since the 1970s. These nations have endeavored to achieve gender equity through various intervention programs, and some countries have even reported that gender differences in mathematics achievement are on the decrease. In most Asian and developing countries, however, the societies are fraught with gender inequities that make the research theme difficult to explore overtly. Similarly, although Korea has shown large gender differences on international mathematics assessments such as the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), there have been no research projects on mathematics and gender initiated by authorities. As a result, little research has been conducted on gender differences in mathematics education in Korea.