By next fall, approximately 500 public schools nationwide will offer single-sex classes, reports the Washington Post.
The approach is based on the much-debated yet increasingly popular notion that girls and boys are hard-wired to learn differently and that they will be more successful if classes are designed for their particular needs.
I know lots of teachers who favor single-sex ed, but not one for this reason. It’s all about classroom management. I have no idea if elementary school boys learn differently (I doubt it). But they act differently, and suffer by comparison to the girls in the room in terms of behavior, attention, and energy level. That’s reason enough to make single-sex classrooms a more widespread option.
Robert, You’ve hit the proverbial nail on the head when you say “they act differently”. I am only one of three male teachers in the elementary school where I teach. While I’ve not had issues with the boys in my classrooms many of my female colleagues complain about their boys not sitting still or acting, well, like boys.
Is this a reason for single sex classes or schools? I am still unsure about that. I do believe that we need to “differentiate” (had to throw in the jargon) how material is presented to allow for differences in how boys and girls act/react in a classroom setting.
What works in my class is to allow for lots of movement, even during “desk” work. I have found that in most cases it is the boys who choose to get the clipboards and move to the floor or stand at their desks while working. No, I do not allow this for every lesson but I have noticed a decrease in behavior issues both inside and outside the classroom when I allow several opportunities for my boys to be active in the room.
Just some thoughts from a fifth grade teacher…
P.S. – I am glad to have found this blog and am excited about reading from the various (wonderful) writers here!
Comment by Eric — June 16, 2008 @ 10:50 am