Are Single Gender Classrooms Better?
From time immemorial, private religious schools have had single gender classrooms. For the past 15 some odd years, a few public schools have begun to experiment with this option in hopes that both boys and girls will thrive. Though somewhat “untraditional” to the public school system, perhaps this tactic will resolve many of the challenges we find in schools today.
Studies have found many positive outcomes to single sex classrooms. Some of them are as follows:
- Girls tend to more actively participate in classroom discussions
- Girls participate in more outdoor activities without worrying that they will be considered too tom-boyish
- Boys tend to strive for better academic achievement
- Boys enjoy joining an orchestra or studying poetry without worrying about seeming too feminine
- Boys learn to collaborate more and compete less
- Self-confidence seems to increase in both sexes
- Both sexes feel freer to explore non-conventional subjects like computers, mathematics and technology
- Both sexes seem to thrive on having less “sexual stimuli” around them
- Both sexes can be taught using learning patterns more geared towards their gender
- Both sexes seem to focus better on academics with less distractions
- There are fewer drop-outs for both genders
Though most would agree that successful education is a joint venture which includes proper instruction, parent commitment and structured environment, it does appear that gender-appropriate education can be a key which takes success in education to the next level.
What do you think? Is there a place for single gender classrooms in a public school setting? I look forward to hearing from you.
This is the fourth year we have had gender specific sixth grade. It has worked to the advantage of both the boys and the girls. Academically, both genders have done so much better that this year we have expanded our gender specific program to begin in the fifth grade. To answer the question: Yes, there is definitely a place for single gender classrooms in a public school setting.
Thanks for sharing. As they say, “The proof is in the pudding”. Curious as to where your school is located.
There is absolutely a place for single gender classrooms especially for students in middle school. I have witnessed great results in the urban settings. Young men and women need to get a sound grasp of who they are while muddling through these difficult years. Students tend to be more open and have fewer distractions.
Thanks for the interesting insights.
I am excited about exploring the benefits of single gender classrooms or “gender streaming” as one of my colleagues has called it. The earliest records of successful schools were based on a model that principally served one gender. The increasing effort to unify and equalize students across all lines seems only to complicate the educational process. I have never worked as an educator in the single gender environment, but do believe in the benefits.
A few questions I have about the process: What legal cases and court decisions have arisen from single gender classroom implementation?
How are students integrated with other genders in a single gender classroom situation?
Are single gender classrooms typically smaller, or are the sizes the same?
How are GLBT concerns addressed? I believe students might bring about fewer concerns than their parents and community, however, I can imagine such concerns in the current social trends.
You bring up interesting questions. Perhaps I’ll expand on this blog at a future date. Thanks for sharing.