Single Gender Education

The Truth About Single Gender Education

Over the past few years, interest in single-gender education has increased significantly. But it isn’t because of the common belief that boys learn one way, girls learn another way. While it is true that there are subtle differences in the brain development between boys and girls of similar ages, it doesn’t mean they learn differently.
Where single-gender education does exceed, is in nurturing the different educational interests among boys and among girls. In the traditional classroom setting, a girl who is interested in biology or a boy who is interested in the performing arts may be mocked by his or her peers of the same gender for showing interest in a subject that is deemed for boys or for girls.

Advantages for Boys

While many believe single-gender education is beneficial only to girls, recent studies indicate the practice benefits boys as well, specifically in the subjects of reading, writing, art and music. In fact, a study conducted by Dulwich College in London revealed that studying in a single-gender environment was actually better for boys than it was for girls.

What makes single-gender study so effective for boys?

First, it allows teachers to customize their teaching style. Boys in a single-gender learning environment can benefit from an energetic learning environment where male interests are specifically catered to. Want to teach them biology? Bring in some lizards or snakes. Chemistry? How about a presentation of chemical reactions? By letting boys be boys they can learn and retain information more efficiently.
Believe it or not, single-gender education also allows for a more diverse educational experience, especially for boys. Gone are the stereotypes, usually found in traditional school settings that label young men who are self-directed and apply themselves. Without the need to impress female classmates, stereotypical attitudes subside, and boys learn to become insightful men who can pursue interests in activities, such as the humanities and the arts.

For more information on the advantages of single-gender education, visit www.singlesexschools.org.