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.
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.