The Edutopia Poll
by Sara Bernard
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the New Gender Divide, as it's called in an ongoing series in the New York Times, that explores a possible male drop-off in academic achievement. According to U.S. Department of Education statistics and a succession of research studies, male enrollment, performance, and work ethic at colleges and universities is down across the board.
There is contention, however, as to whether these statistics are worth crying "boy crisis!" On the other hand, those who believe the assertions are accurate say that the underachievement trend doesn't start in college: Boys in grades K-12 are more likely than girls to be suspended or expelled, have a learning disability or emotional problem diagnosed, drop out of high school, or have legal problems. Do you see evidence of such a trend at your school? We're interested in your opinion.
As a parent of a 12 year old
Submitted by Patti Voelker (not verified) on February 23, 2007 - 22:18.
As a parent of a 12 year old boy and a 13 year old girl, and being a former middle school teacher, I can tell you that the educational differences begin now. As a young, bright, eager teacher, it only made sense that the boys got in trouble more often because they were loud. Girls got better grades on assignments because they appeared to have put in the time and presented a quality product.
Now that I have a boy, I understand. My son will come home and tell me all about what he is learning in school. I know he understands the material. He even uses vocab words he has learned at school in games we are playing at home. He has exceeded on state tests and he is reading above his grade level. But, he can only pull a B out of class. My son does not pay attention to detail when creating an art project to go with his book report, or creating a "fun" flip book to prove he understands Mesopotamian life. The information is all there, but the handwriting is horrendous and the pictures are skimpy. In a recent project worth 20 points, the teacher took off 10% for not having a complete heading at the top and another 10% for not being neat. Nothing else was wrong, but it brought his grade down to an 80% when he clearly understood the information.
I don't want my son to become disenchanted with school. I don't want him to stop loving learning because he is unable to put together a product that makes the teacher happy. I understand that in some cases neatness should count, but please do not let it get in the way of the big picture. Let them learn.
Could Emma and Joe detected
Submitted by David Spielberg (not verified) on January 18, 2007 - 21:11.
Could Emma and Joe detected the blindingly obvious? I have taught high school science for fifteen years in an independent school (as science chair) and am about to go to a high level meeting to discuss why boys are so far behind girls academically. How does that go again...goof off, act up, tune out? I see it all the time, more and more in boys. Even at their graduation ceremonies now they can not quietly participate but have to call out and act up...amazingly, even their parents act out the same way as they do.
In my opinion it is a cultural issue that goes beyond PC issues of different treatment for boys and girls. It is the legacy of children raising children and socialization by MTV the culture of action movies emphasizing strength (military, martial arts, sports themes) and stupidity (Dumb and Dumber II) that appeals more to boys.
Teachers can only role model a different set of values, show enthusiasm for learning and for their subject, and try to engage the males by one on one conversations and elisting the help of the coaches. Coaches, ironically, have been a big help for me with bringing unproductive students into line.
My personal opinion is that
Submitted by Emma (not verified) on October 25, 2006 - 23:43.
My personal opinion is that boys are taught that it's socially acceptable to goof off, act up, and tune out. Take away their Playstations and Xboxes and they wouldn't know what to do with all of that free time, maybe study?
Boys are taught it's okay to goof off
Submitted by kevin (not verified) on April 30, 2008 - 08:40.
i think that it;s true
I have been teaching
Submitted by Joe Marshall (not verified) on October 13, 2006 - 21:05.
I have been teaching mathematics at the middle/hi school level for 33 years. Years ago in my 8th grade Algebra I, 4 of the top5 were always boys, but almost always at the top was a girl. The boys always thought they were better. Today in my Algebra I thru PreCalc classes the boys have fallen way off pace. I find the girls quit less easily and thear study skills far superior.
I am one week away from a
Submitted by c. tutt (not verified) on August 26, 2006 - 21:00.
I am one week away from a school in an all boys classroom (grades 6-9). I am always looking for ways to reach these young men in an effort to improve their future.
WHAT WORKS?
lynn look up on google 'the
Submitted by robert crawley (not verified) on August 21, 2006 - 17:42.
lynn look up on google 'the harsh truth about government schools' by steven yates!
I was searching for ways to
Submitted by Lynn (not verified) on August 21, 2006 - 01:51.
I was searching for ways to reach my male students in the classroom, and stumbled in here. I teach 7th grade science (Life Science) in the suburbs of Atlanta. There is a huge difference in classroom performance between boys and girls at my school.
I did notice last year, the boys that were involved in school sports performed much better in the classroom. During the season of whatever sport the kids played, the boys performed better in the classroom. During the off-seasons, their performance declined and their behavior turned from wonderful to unacceptable.
There are so many variables, but I have two guesses.... either they have an outlet for the testosterone surge they experience at this age when they play sports, or they have more responsibility and accountability due to their position as a representative of the school and not wanting to upset their coach.
Another guess would relate to amount of responsibilities at home. Many boys at this age have little responsibilities, and mothers are even doing their homework in some cases. Girls at this age typically have more responsibilities at home. Could this be part of the difference?
I'm just speculating. The truth is, I am extremely frustrated as a teacher because I don't how to reach the boys to help them succeed academically. I am looking everywhere for answers.
i am just a normal citizen
Submitted by robert crawley (not verified) on August 18, 2006 - 18:31.
i am just a normal citizen who has noticed the evil state sponsored attack against men and boys and we are seeing the results!
normal citizen attack
Submitted by Amanda (not verified) on September 18, 2007 - 14:01.
What do you mean? I think there must be some underlying issues here. What state sponsored attack?
I have noticed that education has changed since my childhood. Schools require a lot more involvement from parents. My children often bring home armfuls of homework and projects. Structure and perseverance begin at home.
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