Learning Differences of Boys and Girls Boys and
Learning Differences of Boys and Girls
Boys and Girls Learn Differently! • A Guide for Teachers and Parents – By Michael Gurian and Patricia Henley • With Terry Trueman • Published by Jossey-Bass – A Wiley Company • San Francisco, CA 2001
The male and female brain
Female Brain Development and Structure • Female brain begins to mature earlier than the male brain – Absorb more sensory data • More self-monitoring concerning high risk activities • More development of the left hemisphere of the brain – Increased verbal advantage
Male Brain Development and Structure • There is greater development of the right hemisphere – Increasing their spatial abilities and allowing them to excel in mechanical design, math, and geography • Males are more prone to show aggression – Partly due to difficulty verbalizing
Chemical and Hormonal Differences • Serotonin levels are higher in girls than boys – Contributes to impulsivity and restlessness many boys face • Girls have high levels of estrogen and progesterone – Bond first and ask questions later • Boys have high levels of testosterone – Aggression and sex-drive
How does it work? • Girls blood flow moves from the left side to the top of the brain • Boys blood flow moves from the right side down to the brain stem • Never at rest • “task focus” – Where complex thought occurs – A clearning advantage – Fight or flight area of the brain – Only concerned about task at hand
Girls are so emotional! (and so are boys) • Boys require a longer time period to process emotion – The disadvantage being missed learning opportunities – More emotionally fragile than girls • Girls collect and process emotional stimulants quicker – They are able to discuss their emotions and work through them – Easily overwhelmed by the amount
In the classroom
Pre-K and Kindergarten • Boys – Need extra work on fine motor skills – Allow a lot of manipulative activities – Teach to use “emotion laden” words • Girls – Need a lot of movement related games – Team building to help girls assume leadership roles – Puzzles to facilitate perceptual learning
Boys in the elementary classroom • Direct energy toward academics – Make arrangements for incorporating movement into the schedule – Allow extra room in work areas • Encourage bonding between student and teacher • Build imagination – Lots of stories and myth making – Provide opportunities for verbalization • Look for positive male role models • Advocate for boys issues in school as well as in the community
Girls in the elementary classroom • Early math using manipulatives – This is also recommended for science • Access to technology – Computers and internet • Connect math and science with journal writing • Encourage healthy amounts of competition
Boys in the middle grades • Create strategies for quick tension release • Separate gender activities – When appropriate • Rites of passage • Team discipline – Consistently applied throughout the school • Group work and pair work • Strong male role models
Girls in the middle grades • Be aware of hormonal and brain development • Teach math and science with a “hands on” approach • Use separate sex classes when appropriate • Encourage class participation • Have high academic and social expectations – Students will rise to meet expectations • Female role models in the school
High School Classrooms • A continuation of responding to specific gender needs • Strong role models, character education, and separate sex activities are all still strongly recommended
Why is this important? • Middle school teachers need to be responsive to the developmental needs of their students • This particular book covers the past, present and future development of young adolescents • This book also contains, at the end of each section, a guide for parents
What do we do with it? • Be an advocate for gender specific issues within the community • Offer assistance to parents, referring them to specific chapters, to help them understand their children • Be a link and a valuable resource for students between home, school, and community
Boys and Girls Learn Differently! A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Michael Gurian
Designed by Karen Perry Teaching Young Adolescents Dr. Tracy Smith, Instructor 18 May 2004
- Slides: 19