The Samoa Ministry of Education, Sports, and Culture conducted a research study to investigate the persisting and growing gap in academic achievement between male and female students in primary and secondary schools. The study involved 2,402 participants, including students, teachers, principals, and parents, selected from schools with significant gender achievement gaps. Main findings reveal positive study habits among male students but highlight negative experiences, including perceived teacher favoritism towards female students, instances of abuse from teachers, and learning difficulties, particularly in reading, writing, and mathematics. The study also identifies a gender stereotype among parents and teachers, with blame placed on male students' behavior for underachievement, contrasting with male students' self-reported study habits. Further research is recommended to understand the underlying reasons behind male students' attitudes towards schooling and learning.
