Address Learning Techniques

After listening to our own Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ron Rubadeau lecture about boys in our school system, I am quite convinced that something must be done to address the different needs and learning techniques of boys and girls.

I don't believe that separating the sexes in schools has as much to do with lessening classroom distractions as it does with setting up a situation where a teacher can come in to teach a group in ways that get through to the students effectively. If indeed studies show that boys and girls learn differently and, generally, at different speeds in relation to specific subjects (ie.: math and language), then why would we teach them as a group in the same fashion?

Most parents can see the differences between their own boys and girls and the variations in temperament, ability, interest, intellect, and competitiveness, which, of course, are normal for each child given their culture and environment. But when trends start to show us that our system is over looking the needs of many, many male students, we have to be creative and get with the program! Now I am not suggesting that every class requires segregation, perhaps only in math and language.

However, in the fundamental years of learning, why not provide every effective method of teaching to help the individual reach his or her potential? Why not ensure an equal learning opportunity for both sexes (remembering that each sex learns in different ways)?

One recollection I have from Dr. Rubadeau's speech concerned the fact that the majority of teachers are female, teaching in ways that females learn and think, to both boys and girls. Now I have heard plenty of jokes as an adult about the differences between men's and women's thinking, so I can't help wonder whether it's a challenge for boys to relate to their female teachers six hours a day! As the system is, I believe many of our teachers are creative, caring, and dedicated, but those pesky statistics from that speech keep popping into my head, making me hope for a better way of teaching our boys....

K.C.