Learning Differences Learning Differences ofof

Boys and Girls Boys and Girls

Learning Differences Learning Differences ofof

Boys and Girls 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 The male and female brainbrain

The male and female The male and female brainbrain

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– Where complex

thought occurs

• Never at rest– A clear learning

advantage

• Boys blood flow moves from the right side down to the brain stem– Fight or flight area

of the brain

• “task focus”– 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 classroomIn the classroomIn the classroomIn 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 Boys and Girls Learn Differently!Differently!

Boys and Girls Learn Boys and Girls Learn Differently!Differently!

A Guide for Parents and A Guide for Parents and Teachers by Michael GurianTeachers by Michael Gurian

Designed by Karen Perry

Teaching Young AdolescentsDr. Tracy Smith, Instructor

18 May 2004