Gender Issues & Education

Shelbi Robinson-White
EDU 201-2001
How do you think gender roles become an issue
when it comes to learning?
Regardless of what you identify as,
gender roles have a unique way of
effecting how a student learns.
The stereotypes of any one gender
play a major role in things such as:
self-esteem, success, environmental
exposure, and knowledge.

Follow along to learn more

Girl stereotypes can start at home and continue at home during childhood.

What’s encouraged at home What should be more incorporated at home

Girls are more likely to be encouraged to: Girls should also be encouraged to:
- read books for fun - play with puzzles or Legos
- be nurturing and compliant - be active and competitive
- do arts and crafts - take interest in math and technology
Just like girl stereotypes, boy stereotypes can start at home too.

What’s encouraged at home What should be more incorporated at home

Boys are more likely to be encouraged to: Boys should also be encouraged to:
- take an interest in videogames - be nurturing and compliant
- play with science-based toys - utilize different literature
- be competitive and active in sports - unlock creativity with arts
Gender stereotypes in the classroom
A teacher's influence is • Announcing and addressing a group of students as “boys
huge on young, moldable and girls”
minds.  “Good morning boys and girls”
The comments made or • Placing competition within the classroom to be boys against
the behavior modeled in girls.
the classroom by a teacher  Science fair
impacts learning and can
also reinforce the gender  Spelling bee
divide. • Utilizing the compliant nature of girls to calm rowdy, boy-
Here are a few examples: groups down
 Seating arrangements
 Assigned partner for group projects
How can gender stereotypes affect students' futures?

It can affect how they feel

about their:
• self worth
• academic ability
• role in life

It can affect their choices

in:
• career choice
• lifestyle
• significant others

It can also affect nature

vs nurture instincts
 Working towards gender equality in the classroom!
Solutions? I’ve got some…

Help teach new ways of learning and help encourage all learning styles

Focus on non-traditional subjects as well as traditional subjects

Offer variety of challenging activities in the classroom

Utilize both competitive and cooperative activities

Learn kids interests and maintain them by incorporating them into daily lessons

Select both boys and girls for volunteer work

Offer a variety of activities that require involvement and participation

More solutions
at-home edition…
Activity:
Take 5 minutes and develop a couple solutions yourself on how to avoid the gender divide.
Citation:

• Sadker, D., & Zittleman, K. (2018). Teachers, Schools, and Society

(FIFTH ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education.