In this chapter Smith and Wilhelm discuss the role society plays in creating an atmosphere where there is a “boys will be boys” attitude and that there is little that anyone can do to change that line of thought. The fact that girls have lower achievement scores in math and science receives quite a bit of attention yet the fact that boys still score lower in literacy is accepted as being a genetic factor.
School systems are still failing boys in the area of literacy education and as students go up in grade level, the gap between boys and girls continues to widen. The fact that there is this gap is enough to question why it is. Is it because tests are gender biased? Do tests discriminate towards lower socioeconomic groups and minority groups? How does all of this play a part in boys and literacy?
Wilhelm and Smith say that over time societies view of males and their traditional roles have changed. Gender roles have shifted in many cultures and this can influence boys and their learning. What was once considered to not be a male role or occupation has changed and therefore leads to different experience and interactions.
One factor that the author’s continually want to point out is that this is not a battle against boys and girls. They feel that areas of struggle exist in both sexes and that the area of boys and literacy needs must be addressed. The authors state they have three main worries when it comes to the literacy needs of males and how we can help.
- They don’t want males to be oversimplified. The fact that this is simply a difference in gender is not an answer to the problem.
- · They also don’t want to lose sight of the individuals. If boys and girls are pitted against each other then there will be no room for growth and improvement. Teachers especially need to be aware of this and take careful consideration when giving boys and girls assignments and tasks. The authors do not want teachers to limit what boys are exposed to based on what society says.
- · Lastly, they do not want boys achievement to be assessed only on success in school. Strong literacy practices outside of school and at home often are unvalued and unrecognized.
Wilhelm and Smith offer ways to help teachers understand how their practices can help boys in their area of struggle.
- · Get to know your students and create a classroom community.
- · Offer different ways of learning. Computers, media, and song.
- · Conduct interest inventories through letters so teachers can see where the students personal interest lie.
- · Assign a class officer. This allows students to use writing from a personal viewpoint of what is going on in the classroom. This makes the students feel valued.
- · Allow students to share a song with the class. This allows a student to be recognized as an individual.
The authors offer many methods for teachers to get to know their students; eat lunch with them in the cafeteria, go to student concerts, plays or athletic events. All of these let teachers get to know their students on a personal level, which is the first step in being able to help a student achieve.
I like the suggestion for helping struggling areas. Especially, with changing up instruction. We need to teach to the individual student. Every student learns different and we should remember that. - Omar
ReplyDeleteI really want to read this book! I didn't even think about the low trend of boys reading until I did research on the use of graphic novels in the classroom. One reason to incorporate graphic novels into the class is to engage reluctant readers, especially boys. I then looked at the young adult section in the bookstore and noticed that most of the books were marketed toward girls. I remembered seeing this book on the list, so I looked through blogs in the hopes that someone was reading it. I look forward to following your blog and learning more about this important subject.
ReplyDeleteTo address this problem in the reading gap I agree with what was said near the end of the post where the teachers should get to know their students. THis relates to what we have talked about regarding discourse. If the teacher is familiar with their student then they can develope lesson that fit almost every students needs. With this the students will excel faster and enjoy learning much more.
ReplyDeleteTeachers need to get to know their students to make them successful in the classroom. Knowing a students primary discourse can make a difference for a student.
ReplyDeleteMultiple ways of learning is very important to keep all students engaged.
I agree that boys and girls should never be pitted together. In the classroom you cannot compare or judge a student based on the performance of another student so why shouldn't it be the same for boys vs. girls? Differentiated learning, I have come to find out, is of upmost importance. Not everyone learns the same way and we cannot expect everyone to. If we all have different primary discourses, how can students be expected to all be on the same page when it comes to learning styles?
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting, I never knew that boys were lower in literacy then girls. I agree with Karianne, for to long it has always been boy vs. girls, and I think its about time that in the education system students are treated equally and not be judged on performance level. School should be a place to learn, and grow.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, Yes to the idea of assigning a class officer on a rotating schedule where each and every student assumes a role of responsibility. This is surely one way to allow students to gain leadership skills which are key to a path to success.
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