History of Co-Education

The practice of co-education first started in Greece. The world’s oldest co-educational
school is Archbishop Tenison’s Church of England High School, Croydon. It was
established in 1714 in Surrey (now in South London). During the Middle Ages in
Europe, co-education was rare, and most education took place in monastic and religious
institutions. Co-education became more prevalent in universities and colleges during
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The fight for women’s right and increased gender
equality further promoted co-education. By the mid-20th century, co- education became
common in primary and secondary school around the world including India.

In fact, until the 1960s and 70s, it was common for boys and girls to be separated for
at least some of their classes. Today, most K-12 classrooms are coeducational and,
though there are some single-gender public schools, most are private.

“In single-gender schools, boys are often more willing to take risks because they don’t feel the fear of
failing in front of the other sex,” says Matt Albert, executive director of the Center for Reflective
Communities in Los Angeles, which works to enhance the relationship between children and parents or
caregivers. “Single-gender schools can establish more relaxed environments [and] less gender
stereotyping, and courses can be tailored to student needs and interests.”

Disadvantages of Co-education
Co-education has various benefits but it also has some disadvantages, depending on
specific circumstances and the way it is implemented. Some of the disadvantages of co-
education are as follows:
 Coeducation can result in distraction, especially during adolescence, as
students are more interested in socializing with members of the opposite sex
than in studying
 It can result in unequal participation and opportunities for students of the
opposite sex as some courses or activities may be dominated by one gender.
 Safety of the girl student is of major concern in the co-educational
institutions. Cases of sexual assault and harassement in these institution
requires proper policies.
 Some cultural norms and beliefs are against co-education. They restrict their
daughters to study in the co-educational institutions.
 Some students feel shy and uncomforatble in co-learning environment for
personal and cultural reasons.
 It can result in unhealthy competition between both genders, which may not
form conducive environment for learning.
 It reduces the options for schools and colleges for the students of both
genders.
  It can result in unwanted agruments and discussions that can form unhealthy
environment.

Arguments for Single-Sex Schools

1. Reduced Distractions: Some parents prefer single-sex schools to avoid distractions, especially at
certain ages when students of the opposite sex can be a distraction.

2. Customized Teaching Techniques: Advocates argue that single-sex education allows teachers to use
techniques geared toward the specific learning styles of boys and girls, enhancing student success.

3. Reduced Gender Stereotypes: Single-sex schools can break down gender stereotypes and provide an
opportunity to customize the educational experience, increase confidence, and strengthen community
involvement.