Teachers' Implicit and Explicit Gender Stereotypes: Perceptions of Mathematics Achievement

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Teachers' Implicit and Explicit Gender Stereotypes: Perceptions of Mathematics Achievement
Language: English
Authors: Layla Basma (ORCID 0009-0009-0734-4459), Christine M. Rubie-Davies (ORCID 0000-0003-4665-1784), Bariah Basma (ORCID 0000-0003-3312-2250)
Source: International Journal of Research in Education and Science. 2026 12(2):424-454.
Availability: International Society for Technology, Education, and Science. e-mail: ijresoffice@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijres.net/index.php/ijres
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 31
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Elementary School Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Gender Bias, Sex Stereotypes, Mathematics Skills, Mathematics Achievement, Private School Teachers, Age Differences, Gender Differences, Teacher Characteristics
Geographic Terms: Lebanon
Assessment and Survey Identifiers: Implicit Association Test
ISSN: 2148-9955
Abstract: This study examined Lebanese primary school teachers' gendered perceptions of mathematics ability using a mixed-methods survey. The research explored both explicit and implicit beliefs, drawing on gender schema theory and implicit bias theory. A total of 204 private school teachers took part. In the first part, teachers were randomly assigned to evaluate a student vignette describing identical moderate mathematics performance, with either a male, female, or gender-neutral name. No statistically significant differences were found across gender conditions for current or future achievement ratings. An adapted Implicit Association Test (IAT) measured teachers' unconscious associations between gender and academic subjects. The IAT produced no significant gender-subject associations at the group level. Interaction effects involving teacher gender, age, and education suggested that implicit beliefs may vary across subgroups, warranting further investigation. Teachers' explicit gender beliefs were assessed using a teacher gender stereotype scale. Multivariate analyses found that male and older teachers were more likely to agree with stereotypical statements about mathematics and gender. Although teachers' direct evaluations were not gendered, beliefs about gender and mathematics were still present among certain groups. Future studies could examine if similar findings appear in Lebanese public schools or other subject areas and explore how teacher training might reduce the persistence of subtle gendered beliefs.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1505959
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examined Lebanese primary school teachers' gendered perceptions of mathematics ability using a mixed-methods survey. The research explored both explicit and implicit beliefs, drawing on gender schema theory and implicit bias theory. A total of 204 private school teachers took part. In the first part, teachers were randomly assigned to evaluate a student vignette describing identical moderate mathematics performance, with either a male, female, or gender-neutral name. No statistically significant differences were found across gender conditions for current or future achievement ratings. An adapted Implicit Association Test (IAT) measured teachers' unconscious associations between gender and academic subjects. The IAT produced no significant gender-subject associations at the group level. Interaction effects involving teacher gender, age, and education suggested that implicit beliefs may vary across subgroups, warranting further investigation. Teachers' explicit gender beliefs were assessed using a teacher gender stereotype scale. Multivariate analyses found that male and older teachers were more likely to agree with stereotypical statements about mathematics and gender. Although teachers' direct evaluations were not gendered, beliefs about gender and mathematics were still present among certain groups. Future studies could examine if similar findings appear in Lebanese public schools or other subject areas and explore how teacher training might reduce the persistence of subtle gendered beliefs.
ISSN:2148-9955