Gender Differences in the Classroom

1. Gender Differences in the Classroom By: Heather Baker 10/21/2007

2. Introduction Teaching is a difficult job. As teachers we must have a vast knowledge of our subjects and know how to teach students these subjects. But we may be inadvertently teaching gender differences.

3. Overview In this presentation, the findings of several researchers will be discussed about how teachers treat each gender in the classroom. Also the topic of how each gender has different learning abilities.

4. Brain based differences in boys and girls Boys tend to have an advantage in their left hemisphere of their brains. The left hemisphere helps them recall facts and rules and categorize. Boys strengths in their right hemisphere encompass visual-spatial and visual-motor skills. These strengths typically allow boys to excel in geography, science, and math.

5. Brain based differences in boys and girls� Girls advantage in the left hemisphere of the brain are having strengths in early grades with speaking, reading, and writing. Their right hemisphere allows them to feel empathy and understand and reflect the feelings of their peers and teachers. These strengths are in general terms. Of course there are girls and boys that have strengths that would typically be considered a strength for the other gender.

6. The Classroom By the fourth grade, the average boy is developmentally two years behind the average girl in reading and writing. Boys make up 70 percent of special education classes and are as much as four times likely to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. (Connell and Gunzelmann, 2004)

7. The classroom� The classroom has increasingly become more feminized over the years. This has happened because of the �progressive� practices that seem to favor girls. Some examples are: cooperative learning groups, feminized literature, personal essays, whole language, and medicalization of normal boy behaviors.

8. The classroom� The early elementary school curriculum is putting boys at a learning disadvantages. Most schools curriculum emphasizes left brain cognitive skills (speaking, reading, and writing abilities) that develop at a slower rate in boys.

9. Teacher�s style According to an issue of GREAT,� teaching style also perpetuates the gender difference. Traditional teacher training tends to cater to boys� interests and behaviors as a means of keeping the classroom order. Boys generally act out their frustrations in a manner often disruptive to the classroom. In contrast, girls predominantly repress their frustrations by with drawing. Teachers� methods of controlling boys included making them contribute often. Thus, teachers have inadvertently favored boys to girls in the traditional classroom setting.�

10. What�s been done The Title IX set of amendments aimed to reform inequality in the schools. The amendments stated that no person in the US could be excluded from participation in or denied benefits of from a federally aided program. �Although these initiative demonstrate some awareness of the disparity of gender in the classroom, the current state of education still does not approach gender equality.� (GREAT, 1998)

11. What teachers can do These are some ideas that teachers can do to help students boy or girl succeed. These help all learners whether it is a visual, hands on, written, or verbal learner. Visual spatial strengths- use blocks to tie into a math lesson. Allow for movement time- have children act out the different punctuation marks such as stand as a exclamation point.

12. What teachers can do� Ideas for teacher�s� Use hands on materials- use clay to make letters instead of just writing them. Incorporate technology- use learning games, cyber hunts, etc� Allow opportunities for competition- have a spelling bee, or math competitions.

13. What teachers can do� Ideas for teachers� Have a choice of books- allow students to choose books that appeal to them. Have a supportive classroom environment- have an environment of respect for all students.

14. Meeting the Gap Some school districts are looking into single-sex schools/classes. The research is trying to show that if we separate the sexes, boys will be able to learn as boys do, and girls will be able to learn as girls do. Some of the research is showing less discipline problems in single-sex classrooms and improved student achievement.

15. Meeting the Gap� In your classroom try to have male involvement. Ask father/community helpers that are male to come and speak to the class. Colleges need to try to recruit more male teachers especially in the elementary level. Teachers need to try to encourage all students to succeed in all subjects. Try not to fall in the stereotype of boys are good at science and girls are good at English.

16. Conclusion As teachers, we need to understand that every child will learn differently. No matter boy or girl, teachers have to encourage and have a level field in their classrooms. We have to know how to reach each student. As teachers we need to let the students know that they don�t have to follow the stereotyped roles of society.

17. Website Resources GREAT- Gender Inequalities in education http://cse.stanford.edu/class/cs201/Projects/gender-gap-in-education/page1.htm this website gives information about what laws have been put in place and gives information for teachers. The New Gender Gap http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/Instructor/Mar04_gendergap.htm this website gives a wonderful information for parents and teachers. Show the differences in boys and girls brain differences.

18. Website Resources Gender Differences http://ceopa.org/Gender.html Overview of research that show the differences in girls and boys. Understanding Gender Differences that may Occur in Classroom Settings http://library.adoption.com/Child-Development/Understanding-Gender-Differences-that-May-Occur-in-Classroom-Settings/article/3379/1.html this is an interview with a researcher and shows her findings.

19. Website Resources Girls are� Boys are�: Myths, Stereotypes, and Gender Differences http://www.campbell-kibler.com/Stereo.pdf this is a presentation to break the myths of stereotypes in the classrooms. This is good for teachers.

20. Print Resources Reed, L, & Rae, T.(2007).Creating Gender-Fair Schools & Classrooms: Engendering Social Justice (For 5 to 13 year olds). London: Paul Chapman Educational Publishing. Francis, B. (2000). Boys, Girls, and Achievement Addressing the Classroom Issues. London: Routledge Falmer.

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