Gender Bias in the Classroom Essay -- essays papers

Gender Bias in the Classroom RESEARCH IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND THEORIES OF LEARNING Gender inequity is not only learned and accepted in the socialization process that starts at home, but is also present in the school environment form the very early years. Parents and teachers consciously or unconsciously reinforce sex stereotypes. In 1992 Olivares and Rosenthal's research findings examined three areas: 1-interactions in the classroom that are both teacher-to-student and student-to-student 2-instruction features involving relation between classroom activities and the gender of the students assigned to perform the activities 3-the perceptions of gender roles through teachers modeling of sex stereotypes in the classroom. There are fundamental elements of the school environment develop and reinforce inequity: teachers may be unaware of their gender bias; there is a lack of school textbooks and other instructional materials are sex-bias free; and children may interact according to strongly stereotyped gender blueprints. There are teachers who promote gender equity and believe all students should receive the same opportunities to classroom resources and participation an activities. A number of teachers believe the cause of gender equity is best served through a approach of extending equal opportunities to all students and being sensitive to the special need of the groups perceived to be "at risk." Commeyras et al. (1997) stated that teachers generally agreed the there is a need for implementing gender-fair strategies, yet feel uncomfortable actively addressing gender issues in their classrooms. They are often unsure how much authority they should exert in determining the content and direction of students' talk during classroom discussions. Singh (1997) states educators need to decide upon a philosophical position to follow. Teachers need to be aware of their role in shaping gender perceptions among learners. In 1995 David and Jacqueline Sadker found that females were being shortchanged in classrooms. Girls received less praise, help, and intense instruction that creates academic confidence and success. Boys attracted more attention by calling out and acting up, demanding more teacher time and talent. The well-behaved girls became spectators as... .... [http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed328610.html](9/18/00). Dickman, C. B. (1993). Gender differences and instructional discrimination in the classroom. Journal of Invitational Theory and Practice, 1993. Vol. 2, No.1.lycos.com.[http//www.uncg.edu/ced/iais/journal/v21p35.htm] (9/18/00). Manjari, S. (1998). Gender issues in the language arts classroom. ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading English and Communication Bloomington IN. [http://www.edgov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed426409.html] (9/18/00). Rothenberg, D. (9/95). Supporting girls in early adolescence. ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary Childhood Education Urbana IL. [http://www.edgav/databases/ERIC_Digest/ed386331.html] (9/18/00). Sadker, D. & J. (11/1/95). Equity update. lycos.com. [http://www.lycos.comsrch/more.html] (9/18/00) Sadker, D. (5/6/99). Gender equity: Still knocking at the classroom door. Educational Leadership 56 no7 22-6 Ap‘99.[http://vweb.hwwilsonweb.com/cgibin...GT.&SP.URL.P=(H9Z7)J(0O00041 061)& (10/10/00) Sanders, J. (5/97). Teacher education and gender equity. ERIC Clearinghouse on Teaching and Teacher Education Washington DC.[http://www.ed.gov/databases/ERIC_Digests/ed408227.html] (9/18/00)