Boys in School: Decoding the Gender Disparity
Boys and their culture aren’t working in schools: An Overview
The current school system is failing boys. While girls have been shown to outperform boys in school, boys are the ones who are more likely to be suspended, expelled or diagnosed with ADHD. The speaker points out that while not all boys fit into the rigid gender roles we traditionally assign to them, most do tend to have a certain way of being. Unfortunately, the culture they hug isn’t working well in schools.
The speaker cites a few statistics from the 100 Girls Project, which show that for every 100 girls who are suspended, 250 boys are suspended, for every 100 girls expelled, 335 boys are expelled, and so on. These numbers are even higher for boys who are black, poor, or attend overcrowded schools.
The speaker suggests that one of the reasons why boys are out of sync with school culture is the existence of zero-tolerance policies, which can be too rigid and inflexible for some boys. She also believes that the lack of male teachers in elementary schools may play a role in why boys don’t feel like they belong in the classroom. Additionally, the compressed curriculum, which requires young children to learn at a faster pace, may be causing boys to feel overwhelmed and disengaged.
Overall, the speaker suggests that there is a need to meet boys where they are, rather than force them to fit into a mold that doesn’t work for them. To do this, the speaker recommends designing better games, changing attitudes towards gaming, and engaging boys in their learning.
Stereotypical gender roles in schools aren’t the whole picture
While there are certainly boys and girls who fit within stereotypical gender roles, not all of them do. It’s important to recognize that the culture boys hug isn’t working in schools today. For instance, research conducted by the 100 Girls Project shows that suspension, expulsion, and learning disabilities diagnoses are much more prevalent among boys than girls. These numbers are even higher for black and low-income students in overcrowded schools. Furthermore, boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) than girls.
It’s important to note that girls still need help in schools, and there is a significant pay gap between men and women in many fields. Girls have also traditionally struggled in math and science courses. However, this doesn’t mean we should ignore the literacy needs of boys between the ages of three and thirteen. We should take a page from initiatives that have been successful in getting more girls interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and apply those lessons to help engage boys in their learning as well.
Girls outperform boys in school, but boys are suspended and expelled more often
While girls are typically seen as achieving better academically than boys, this is not the whole story. Boys are more likely to be suspended or expelled from school, and also more likely to drop out. This creates a negative cycle where boys who are already struggling in school are further disengaged from it.
The reasons for this discrepancy are complex and multi-faceted. One contributing factor is that schools often prioritize sitting still and listening quietly, which can be challenging for many boys who may prefer more active and hands-on learning. Additionally, boys are often socialized to be more aggressive and assertive, which can lead to conflicts with teachers or other students.
It’s important for schools to recognize these challenges and work to create a more inclusive environment that accommodates different learning styles and challenges traditional gender roles. By doing so, we can help ensure that all students, regardless of gender, are given the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
The problem of zero-tolerance policies in schools
Zero-tolerance policies in schools refer to strict disciplinary measures taken for any type of rule violation, regardless of its severity. According to research, these policies have been found to disproportionately affect boys and students of color. For example, boys are more likely to be suspended or expelled for behavior that would be handled differently for girls. This has serious consequences, as suspension and expulsion can lead to a higher likelihood of dropping out of school and becoming involved in the criminal justice system. Furthermore, zero-tolerance policies often lead to exclusionary discipline, which can contribute to a toxic school environment and increased feelings of hostility and aggression among students. As a result, many experts argue for the need to adopt restorative justice practices in schools, which focus on repairing harm and building relationships instead of punishment.
Fewer male teachers in elementary schools
Research shows that there is a shortage of male teachers in elementary schools, which can have an impact on the learning experiences of young boys. Having male teachers as role models can help boys see that teaching is a viable career option for them and can help to challenge traditional gender stereotypes.
However, many men are deterred from pursuing a career in elementary education due to the perception that it is a “feminine” profession, and concerns about potential accusations of sexual misconduct. Additionally, the pay in the field of elementary education is often lower than in other professions that men may be more drawn to.
The lack of male teachers in elementary schools can also have an impact on the social and emotional development of boys. Male teachers can provide a different perspective and style of communication that can be beneficial for some students, particularly those who may have difficulty relating to female teachers.
The compressed curriculum and its impact on boys
The curriculum in many schools has become more demanding over the years, and it has become increasingly challenging for boys to keep up. Boys tend to learn at a slower pace than girls, and they require more time to process and retain information. However, the school curriculum is not designed to accommodate their learning styles. Teachers tend to teach to the average student, which means that boys who learn differently often fall behind.
Moreover, the compressed curriculum leaves little time for activities that boys enjoy, such as sports and hands-on learning. The lack of physical activity and opportunities for movement can also be detrimental to boys’ academic performance, as they need an outlet to release their energy. As a result, boys often become disengaged and uninterested in school, which can lead to behavioural issues and poor academic performance.
The Need to Design Better Games and Change Attitudes Towards Gaming
Gaming is a popular pastime for many boys, but some experts believe that the games they play can contribute to their struggles in school. Many games are designed with fast-paced action and immediate rewards, which can make it difficult for boys to focus on slower-paced classroom activities that require more sustained attention. Additionally, many games reinforce traditional gender roles and stereotypes, portraying male characters as aggressive and dominant, and female characters as passive and subservient.
To address these issues, experts suggest that game designers need to create more games that are designed to promote learning and academic success, rather than just entertainment. These games could incorporate elements of classroom learning, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, while still being engaging and fun for boys to play.
At the same time, there is also a need to change attitudes towards gaming and recognize the potential benefits that gaming can offer. Gaming can help develop important skills, such as hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, and teamwork, and can provide a sense of social connection and community for boys who may struggle with social interactions in the classroom.
By designing better games and changing attitudes towards gaming, it may be possible to create a more inclusive learning environment that supports the needs of all students, regardless of gender.
Engaging boys in their learning: The Way Forward
To address the challenges faced by boys in education, it is important to engage them in their learning. One way to do this is to offer hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that allow boys to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. Another approach is to provide opportunities for collaborative learning, which can help to foster positive relationships between boys and their peers.
It is also important to recognize the diversity that exists within the male gender and avoid stereotyping boys. Educators should create inclusive learning environments that recognize and celebrate individual differences. This includes offering opportunities for boys to explore their interests and passions outside of traditional academic subjects.
Finally, it is important to involve parents and guardians in the education process. Engaging families in their child’s learning can help to create a supportive learning environment and can also help to address any challenges or issues that may be impacting a child’s academic success.
By taking a more holistic approach to education that recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by boys, educators can create learning environments that promote success for all students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that there are significant challenges faced by boys in our education system today. From the culture of boys not being valued for their academic success, to the problem of zero-tolerance policies in schools, to the lack of male teachers in elementary schools, to the compressed curriculum, boys are facing numerous obstacles that prevent them from thriving in the classroom.
However, there are also promising solutions that can help to address these issues. For example, it is important to design better games and change attitudes towards gaming in order to help engage boys in their learning. It is also crucial to recognize that stereotypical gender roles are not the whole picture and to develop a more nuanced understanding of boys’ experiences in the classroom.
Finally, there is a need to design learning environments that are more responsive to the needs and interests of boys, as well as to promote a culture of inclusivity that recognizes and values the contributions of all students. By implementing these strategies, we can help ensure that boys are able to reach their full potential in school and beyond.
