Boys & Girls Learn Differently: A Guide for Teachers and Parents
Chapter 1: How The Brain Learns
In this chapter, we learn about the differences in brain development between genders. On pages 20-25, we see a chart that explains every part of the brain, and how it "looks" or is placed in each gender. This explains why, perhaps, boys are more aggressive. Or why female brains tend to move information more quickly from one area in the brain to the other.
Idea Illustrator:
The following video is a discussion between gender experts, discussing the differences between the male and female brain when it comes to learning in the classroom.
Rigorous Researcher:
In this chapter, because we discuss the female and male brain development and structure, I thought it would be interesting to research more articles and opinions on this topic of teaching both to boys and girls in the classroom.
"If you teach the same subjects to girls and boys in the same way, then by the age of 12 or 14, you will have girls who think "geometry is tough" and boys who believe "art and poetry are for girls." The lack of understanding of gender differences has the unintended consequence of REINFORCING gender stereotypes. Conversely, if you understand these differences, you can break down gender stereotypes." (National Association for Single Sex Public Education, http://www.singlesexschools.org/)
"Girls will be girls, and boys will be boys: Teaching To Gender Differences" Bill McBride. http://crr.math.arizona.edu/GenderKeynote.pdf
Meghan C. Koch, "Boys & Girls Learn Differently" Chapter 1, Week 2.
I thought the video that you posted was very interesting! It is so crazy that from early childhood all the way up to high school, boys and girls are on such a different level. When the woman in the video explained that girls are typically better in literacy because of the communication they have with other girls as well as their parents exceeds that in boys, I was surprised, but yet it made sense to me since boys are usually out doing something else with less communication involved. I also loved your quotes from the research. It is amazing to see what could happen if teachers do not use differentiated instruction according to gender!
ReplyDeleteNatalie Gianvecchio
I really like the illustrations you posted showing where the different parts of the brain are located and how these parts are associated with learning. I am a visual learner and this helps me to have a better understanding of how our brains work and how it applies to both males and females.
ReplyDeleteI also found the video you posted very interesting. The quote you referenced "If you teach the same subjects to girls and boys in the same way, then by the age of 12 or 14, you will have girls who think "geometry is tough" and boys who believe "art and poetry are for girls." I find this carries over into the classroom, especially in Home and Careers. During food labs, while all students have pre-determinded responsibilities on a rotating basis, the boys are very reluctant sign up for the clean-up responsibilities (washing, drying, putting dishes away, wiping down the counters, etc.). I think girls are taught these types of responsibilites at an earlier age and therefore this is just one of the ways instruction is differentiated both at home and in the classroom because of our culture. Males continue to think a woman's place is in the kitchen.
Also, enjoyed article "Girls will be girls and boys will be boys"
Mary Kay Ward, Week#2, Chapter 2