Even with gender equality being a point of emphasis these days, some schools still employ single gender classrooms. For them, research has shown that boys have a different learning curve compared to girls. This is why they opt to separate both sexes for more targeted teaching and learning.
However, the question remains: do single gender educational opportunities really increase academic success in children? Should boys be taught in separate classrooms from girls?
List of Pros of Single Gender Classrooms
1. It reduces or prevents gender distractions in the classroom
Attraction is part of what makes us human and as children grow, teachers may find it difficult to impart knowledge when their students are thinking about other things. Students become more concerned about their feelings and physical reactions to the opposite sex and therefore cannot digest the material that is being presented in front of them properly. In other words, at a certain age, having children of opposite sexes in the same classroom can become a distraction.
2. It is easier to adapt the classroom environment
According to studies, females learn better when the temperature is warmer. On the other hand, males prefer classrooms that have a cooler temperature. The findings are the same in how information is discussed within a classroom. Because of this, schools often choose to separate the genders so better learning opportunities can be offered.
3. It rids away of gender stereotypes
In single gender classrooms, boys and girls pursue interests that truly interest them rather than fit into a specific stereotype. When genders are mixed in a classroom, females tend to try and keep up with the boys rather than focus on their own interests.
List of Cons of Single Gender Classrooms
1. Some teachers aren’t equipped to handle a single gender classroom
Teachers, in general, understand the differences between genders and can adapt their teaching style to specific situations. However, when it comes to gender specific education techniques, some educators don’t possess the necessary skills to effectively convey information that their students can digest.
2. Some teaching styles could be damaging in single gender classrooms
Some girls can be assertive while boys can also be sensitive. Certain teaching styles can’t handle these types of personalities properly. As a result, students aren’t learning well or aren’t enjoying the experience.
To illustrate an example, some sensitive boys may find it intimidating to have a teacher who “gets in their face” and always speaks loudly because that’s the way boys should be taught and how they need to learn. Basically, not every teaching method promoted by single-sex classroom advocates are effective across the board.
3. It reduces how students should learn how to co-exist with the opposite sex
In the work environment, co-existing and collaborating effectively with the opposite sex is the norm. Those who oppose single-sex classrooms believe that children should be exposed to learning and collaborating with the opposite sex from a very young age. In a single-sex class environment, children won’t be equipped with the skills needed to deal with the opposite sex.