A Study of Gender Issues in Education

	It Begins With Us... Overview of the Gender Issues in the Classroom: -Females are held to lower standards than males and thus receive fewer encouraging comments. (Sadker & Zittlemen, 2001, 141) Boys are more encouraged to try to reach answers on their own, but when a female struggles in the classroom, she is more likely to simply be given the answer.   -Males are more likely to be identified with learning disabilities than females.   -Females are generally more active in extracurricular activities, such as student government and the performing arts.   -Studies have also shown that boys are called on more than females in coed classrooms. (Sadker & Zittleman, 2001, 140)   -Females also tend to do better on their report cards while males out-perform them on standardized tests. It is funny then that there are more college women then men. Across all racial groups, males score better on mathematics than females on the SAT, a college entrance exam.    -Males often view reading and writing as feminine, and, thus, they enroll in these courses far less than females.   -Also, many teachers tolerate disruptive behavior from boys that they would not tolerate from females. This leads to noticeable differences in discipline. From a young age boys are aloud to act in a rough, playful manner while girls are encouraged to “act like girls”.   -In the upper levels of math and science, females tend to become less interested and their grades drop in the higher level courses. (Sadker & Zittleman, 2001, 141) Just as males excel in math and science, females outscore males in verbal skills.   -It is also noted that females begin school with a testing advantage, but by the end of their schooling, males outscore females.   -In an age of growing technology, girls are fives times less likely to be considered for technology based jobs. According to one study, seventy one percent of male teachers attribute male success in technology to skill or talent. However, female success in technology may be considered luck or persistent hard work. -It also does not help that students see more female teachers and more male principals in their schools. It is one thing to inform students, but it is another to empower them to make a change in a gender-bias society.

	Get Started...NOW! What Can You Do in the Classroom? How Can You Make a Change? -Males and females have different needs, and they should be represented equally in the classroom. Text books and supplementary materials should equally benefit the learning of males and females. For Example: If we only use history text books that highlight male leaders, we are unintentionally sending the message to females that it is a man’s job to lead.    -Be aware of the materials you choose. Suplementary readings, videos, and every educational tool used in the classroom must send positive messages to both males and females. Both genders must be represented as equally as possible.   -Have both males and females assemble bulletin boards and decorate the classroom. Both perspectives are utilized to make a comfortable and socially just learning environment.   -Seating charts should reflect a non-gender bias classroom. Teachers should look closely to analyze patterns in seating, performance, and participation.   -Another way to encourage equality for both males and females is to teach cooperative learning lessons wher students must learn from one another and benefit from their differences. Males and females can work together, share and alter roles, and engage in dialogue in order to better unite the classroom environment.   -Be aware of word chocie. Many words carry negative connotations towrad one gender or another. Also, common sayings like, "Boys will be boys", help to perpectuate injustices in the classroom.   -Have a peer critically analyze your classroom. Having a trusting friend and peer in your classroom is a positive way to bring to the surface biases that you never knew you had. This peer can provide constructive criticism in order to make your classroom a socially just place to learn.   -I will also be aware that my education on this issue does not stop here. Educators must continue to better themselves and their knowledge on this topic. It is through critical anyalysis in your classroom and of your actions that injustices are uncovered, brought to the surface, and corrected.    -We should not view students as male or female, but rather as individuals. If we can begin to change the gender biases in our classrooms, we may be able to slowly change the gender biases that students face when they are done with school in the work place and everyday life.