Gender Disparity in Engineering Colleges: Is the Difference in the Preferred Learning Style the Reason?

Gender disparity within the academic discipline of engineering education is not an uncommon scenario. Trends show that engineering education disciplines are traditionally male dominated. Gender differences in problem solving patterns exist. Therefore, the discipline of engineering, being male dominated, is at a disadvantage. By increasing the enrollment of female students, gender specific problem solving traits would be introduced; thus, enhancing the discipline. The main focus of this study is to identify possible factors that affect gender disparity within the academic discipline of engineering education at educational institutions in India during the year 2012. Data was collected from 740 engineering students during their junior year. Female and male means on prior preparation, performance, and personality variables were compared through independent sample t-tests. The study found that females outperformed males on prior preparation and performance measures. The study also found that females and males differed in their preferred learning styles, which may explain the gender disparity within engineering colleges. However, a much larger population sample, with an increased number of female participants, is needed before the results can be generalized.