Single-sex versus Co-educational schooling

Abdureim Abdurashytov

20123590

ELT 558

Dr. Johann Pillai

Single-sex versus Co-educational schooling

Abdureim Abdurashytov

Due to the fact that, there are significant differences in the ways male and female learn, gender separations in terms of education (teaching boys and girls in separate classrooms or schools) have been promoted.

In fact, the most profound difference between girls and boys is not in any brain structure per se, but rather in the sequence of development of the various brain regions. The different regions of the brain develop in a different sequence, and different tempo, in girls compared with boys.¹

A number of studies have been conducted to determine whether single-gender education has a positive impact on students' achievement. Despite the fact that, the concept of single-gender format primarily attributed to private schools only, many public schools have started to offer single-gender schooling. In 2002, a dozen of public schools in the United States began offering single-gender education. With the lapse of time, this number has changed drastically. The number of private schools with same-sex education opportunities has reached up to 500.²

It would be unfair not to mention that fact that, I have graduated from single-gender school, and I am totally supporting this idea and convinced that it facilitates the learning process and has a positive impact on students' outcomes, such as test scores, graduation rates and so on. However, as follows from American Council for Co-Educational Schooling (ACCES), some studies showed that single -sex education is a controversial issue. ³ It is not surprising that "coeducation advocates agree that there are some small physiological differences in male and female brains. But they also say there's a lack of evidence that these differences matter to learning at the individual level".⁴ To begin with, the arguments of coeducational supporters are mainly based on stereotyping and diversity.⁵ They believe that single-sex education is harmful, because it does not give a chance to interact with all sorts of people. In other words, sex-segregated classrooms eliminate the opportunity to learn how to cooperate with the opposite sex members in society.

Another possible disadvantage is that, there is increased reinforcement of gender stereotypes when female and male students spend less time together. It creates a notion that girls and boys are different in ability, educational needs or careers. Separation increases tension between children of different sexes as they avoid playing together.⁶

In addition, segregation by gender in the classroom settings can provoke biased attitude toward opposite gender, and consequently will make it tough to deal with other sex later in life.

Another hidden flaw in same-gender schooling is that girls are not able to mold their masculine side and boys are not able to mold their feminine side. Despite the fact that, girls attend all sport classes and boys all art classes, which provide knowledge of opposite side. It is assumed that, interaction and cooperation with opposite side is what actually needed to gain comprehensive knowledge. ⁷

In addition to the above mentioned, proponents of coeducational schools also state that, there is no need for single-gender education. Good teachers take into account gender differences and are able to utilize different learning styles within the mixed-gender classroom.

The other side of the coin is, however, that single-gender classrooms have a positive impact on students' achievement.⁸ According to some research⁹, for example at girls' schools, girls tend to more participate in classroom discussions, since they are not overshadowed by the boys as it is in co-educational school. Moreover, girls gain more confidence as students and show better performance in examination. I also agree that girls tend to take a risk in female environment, for instance speaking in front of the classroom. This feature can contribute in promoting leadership opportunity and students' self-esteem by excluding gender stereotypes, and thus elevates their weak sides. We cannot ignore the fact that, it broadens girls' horizons and foster them to extend and develop their strengths and interests. The boys, in co-educational school are concerned about impressing the opposite gender. This feeling can cause a distraction and impede the learning process. In contrast to mixed-gender school, as it is pointed out "single-gender school concentrated more on their studies because it removes the distractions of co-educational social pressure".¹⁰ Another point is that single-gender education "gives teacher opportunity to spend extra time with topics that boys or girls may struggle with".¹¹ Last, but not least, single-gender format reduces sexual harassment, which is nearly impossible to do in mixed-gender classrooms.¹² Considering all pros and cons we can notice that, mixed-gender education put more emphasis on social aspects of a life and how to deal with real-world atmosphere. In such a way, the academic achievement is overlooked to some extent. As to single-gender education, they are more academic oriented and employ more academic aspirations. However, considering social aspect, I assume that children of single-gender classroom can fill up their gaps by outside classroom environment. After school we can easily compensate an omission by spending our free time with close friends. Mostly it is a mixture of boys and girls, and thus it would set a balance in this controversial issue.

Despite many arguments against single-gender education, from my own experience, I personally convinced that it has a positive effect on students' behavior as well as on their academic achievements. In addition, I do not feel myself socially handicapped as it is stated above. Nevertheless, there is no imposition regarding the choice, everyone is free to study anywhere they want. Perhaps I should also point out the fact that, students' academic achievement primarily depends on getting children engaged and encouraged about learning and exploring new things.

Notes

References

Benefits and Disadvantages of Single Gender Education. (n.d.) Retrieved from: slideshare.net/coralys-santiago117/benefits-and-disadvantages-of-single-gender-education [Accessed 3^rd June 2014]

Bronson, L. M. (n.d.) Single-Gender Education: Does it Work? Retrieved from: dominicanu.com/masters-in-education-resources/single-gender-education-does-it-work/ [Accessed 3rd June 2014]

NASSPE (n.d.) Single-sex education. Retrieved from: singlesexschools.org/homeintroduction.htm [Accessed 3^rd June 2014]

Novotney, A. (February 2011) Coed versus single-sex ed. Monitor on Psychology, 42 (2). Retrieved from: apa.org/monitor/2011/02/coed.aspx

1 Leonard Sax, (May 17, 2010). Gender Differences in the Sequence of Brain Development

2 According to the National Association for Single Sex Public Education.

3 "Single-Gender Education: Does it Work?". Retrieved from the Dominican University's Website, page 1.

4 Coed versus single-sex ed. American Psychological Association's Website.

5 National Association for Single Sex Public Education.

6 Pros and Cons of the Results of Splitting Up Girls & Boys in Schools.

7 Benefits and Disadvantages of Same-Sex Education.

8 "Single-Gender Education: Does it Work?".

9 Coed versus single-sex ed. American Psychological Association's Website.

10 Benefits and Disadvantages of Same-Sex Education.

11 Benefits and Disadvantages of Same-Sex Education.

12 Early Implementation of Public Sing-sex Schools: Perceptions and Characteristics.