Hot+Topic+3+-+Setting+Students+up+for+Success

=__Setting Students up for Success__=

Much has been written about the differences between the ways boys and girls learn. Take a quick look at the list of differences on the following web site: []

While acknowledging that the site is trying to sell people on the idea of boarding school for boys, the list it provides seems strikingly similar to others I've seen. In the time since psychology first moved away from viewing gender as an entirely learned construct to now, when biological factors are beginning to be explored, an abundance of literature has surfaced on the differences between boys and girls learning styles. Understanding that students may learn differently due to factors related to gender is fine, however, most public schools currently have integrated classrooms. Within this framework, there is a place for examining methods that work for all genders and bringing them together for a more inclusive and effective education for all.

= __Critical Challenge__ =

The following is a non-exhaustive list of 5 recommendations addressing gender differences while maintaining integration in the classroom. Please read through the recommendations and respond to the following questions in the discussion area.

//Which recommendations do you agree/disagree with? Why?// //Are there others you would add?//


 * 1) Maintain respect and openness for the individual. Gender is not a homogonous group, with one clear cut set of norms for each gender, just as there wouldn't be for all individuals in a particular ethnic, cultural or religious group.
 * 2) Think about who is silenced in the classroom and endeavor to create safe places for discourse. This will mean allowing students to voice their ideas in an atmosphere of respect; for some this might mean providing equitable time to share in small or large groups (AAUW, 2009, p. 220). Still others may need the quiet, deliberative opportunity to consider their contributions to the class that blogging or other journaling affords (Kelly, et al, 2006). Whatever the needs of you students, emphasize that all views and opinions matter.
 * 3) Ensure that each student sees him or herself reflected positively in the curriculum content (AAUW, 2009, p.219) in order to deliver the message that all students can contribute valuably to society.
 * 4) Help students to understand their learning styles. This will mean familiarizing yourself with the various best practice suggestions for each gender and offering these suggestions to students. This might mean an emphasis on student-centered learning.
 * 5) Help students to view their abilities and achievements realistically. Girls have a tendency to become less confident learners as they get older, despite achieving good grades. This is often due to a tendency to be over-critical of their academic efforts (NASSPE, 2011). Boys tend to ever-estimate how well they are doing and produce work that lacks effort (NASSPE, 2011). Using student-generated criteria might help close this gap as students take more control of their own work.