The Case Against Single-Sex Classrooms newyorker.com
A few years ago, when I was looking at middle schools for my daughter, I heard about a school that sounded lovely except for one thing: it had a policy of separating math classes by gender. Having reported on...
Instead of worrying only about academic results let's also look at other outcomes of single sex schooling. Sticking kids in single sex schools can convey the impression that the opposite sex is such a problem that it is best avoided. Other research has shown that boys who go to single sex schools are more likely to get divorced.
Oh, and 'intuitive' in what way? I sincerely hope that doesn't mean 'avoiding the evidence in favour of rusted on personal beliefs'.
We found the students tended to feel more confident, particularly when giving speeches or participating in discussions because they did not have to concern themself with how they were perceived. This seemed particularly relevent for weaker or less socially developed students. It also meant we could focus on issues that have particular relevance for the group. Then we could turn it around and hypothesise about what the other girl / boy class may be saying about the same issue. Great for teaching the conceptvof perspective and encouraging reflective thinking. We would also mix the classes if it was of benefit for a particular unit of work. It has never been a 'boys are better at 'x' and girls better at 'y' thing, nor was it about learning styles, rather it was about giving the students a opportunity to concentrate on their learning. When students attend mix gender classes in years 11 and 12, they are all happy to simply get on with the work and there is no obvious gender based proficiency in particular subjects.
My experience simply does not support the research you have quoted.
It's also why we have external evaluation of programs, because those who design and implement them will always have an investment in t=seeing them as effective.
Objective study of the issue shows that sex segregated is not a good idea. That we INSIST that it is is a manifestation of the deeply sexist nature of our culture.
Have there been studies of the effect (academic, vocational and social) of single sex classes on a coed campus. I would be interested to read the research findings and to learn which schools were studied (I was not aware of many other schools who follow a model such as ours - at least not in Sydney). I would also like to know the research method and how much time was spent in each school observing student behaviour and learning.
I am not sure why learning in a single gender room is a manifestation of sexist culture. Effective teaching requires the teacher to recognise the individual personalities and learning styles within the room, it is the individual we teach not their gender. Single sex classes on a coed campus, where boys and girls mix freely and learn peaceful respectful behaviour is not sexist, it is simply one option for parents who want a school that meets their child's needs.
That is why we have options, one size fits all education is too limiting.
Here's some leads to get you started:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8781907/Children-at-single-sex-schools-more-likely-to-be-sexist.html
'Research conducted last year showed that after two weeks of teachers lining children up by gender and asking them to post their work on different bulletin boards in the classroom, boys and girls began to have more stereotyped attitudes towards one another and play less with pupils of the opposite sex.
Richard Fabes of Arizona State University said: "Separating boys and girls in public school classrooms makes gender very salient, and this salience reinforces stereotypes and sexism."
A British study carried out in 2007 found that men in their early 40s who had been educated in single-sex schools were more likely to be divorced than those who went to mixed schools.'
http://kalinago.blogspot.com.au/2011/10/does-gender-segregation-in-classroom.html
'For decades, proponents of gender-segregation in classrooms have argued that separation of children by gender fosters a successful learning atmosphere. However, recent studies have shown that segregating classrooms by gender impacts student learning negatively.
The negative effects of separate classrooms are apparent in linguistics especially, where girls tend to develop strong academic abilities earlier than boys. Establishing gender-segregated classrooms denies boys and girls the opportunity to learn from each other, and reinforces the long-ago debunked idea that "separate but equal" is effective in institutions of learning.'
http://www.utexas.edu/news/2011/10/03/bigler_coeducational_schooling/
' Sex-segregated schooling is not superior to coeducational schooling and carries the risk of exaggerating sexism and gender stereotyping, according to a new report co-authored by a University of Texas at Austin psychologist.'
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080411150856.htm
'A new Tel Aviv University study has found that girls improve boys’ grades markedly at school. “Being with more girls is good for everybody,” says Prof. Analia Schlosser, an economist from the Eitan Berglas School of Economics at Tel Aviv University. “We find that both boys and girls do better when there are more girls in the class.” She investigated girls and boys in mixed classrooms in the elementary, middle, and high-school grades of the Israeli school system.'
The research listed seemed to focus mainly on single sex schooling, as opposed to single sex classes (which is markedly different). I also did not notice a reference to coed schools who use a model of single sex classes k-10 and coed classes 11-12, where students mix freely in playground and during a variety of lessons, activities and welfare programs. I guess what I am trying to say is that there are schools who do not fit the moulds mentioned in the research.
Schools which actively promote acceptance, consideration for others, compassion and empathy, create a non sexist culture through the values they espouse. In a school where students are treated as individuals, gender does not become an issue, even if students do attend same sex classes, because they do not perceive the gender segregation. They are just in a class with other students. Such a culture takes 'work' to develop, however it may go further toward promoting non sexist attitudes. I am not saying this is the norm, however I am saying it is possible.
In fact, this thread has my inquisitive juices flowing, perhaps this is an area of research I may pursue :)
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