Policy Briefs   1

Bridging the Academic Disparities between Boys and Girls in Cambodian Secondary Education


Published: 19-Feb-2025
English PDF (37)

Abstract/Summary

Key Highlights

  • Girls in Cambodia consistently outperform boys academically, a trend observed since the 2014 national exam reforms, with boys facing higher risks of dropout.
  • Boys are disproportionately affected by weaker academic engagement, higher absenteeism, economic pressures, and greater freedom, leading to socially undesirable activities, which hinder their academic performance.
  • Negative societal factors, including drug use, vaping, gambling, and distractions near schools, have more adverse impacts on boys’ learning, exacerbating the gender gap.
  • While technology can enhance learning opportunities, boys are more prone to misuse it for gaming and leisure, further reducing their academic focus.
  • Weak school discipline and limited gender-sensitive pedagogy fail to engage boys effectively, with teachers sometimes unconsciously lowering expectations for male students.



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