# Foundations and Assessment of Education/Edition 1/Foundations Table of Contents/Chapter 9/Student Soapbox

Some co-ed schools are moving to single-sex classrooms. What do you think: would our schools be more effective if students were separated by gender?
Add your response below. Extra credit will be awarded to multimedia responses.

## Keep the boys/girls out! I can't concentrate with all those hotties around.

It might be better in high school where the opposite sex can distract students but I think there are benefits of co-ed education in elementary school.Boys and girls do learn differently but they can also learn from each other how to process information differently. Some experiments with all boy classrooms have been moderately successful. It is definitely a subject that needs more testing done before we can conclude that separation is a good move.Jnemo001 (talk) 04:43, 9 August 2009 (UTC)
I'm for this if I can be the exception to the rule. Hsmit022 (talk) 22:09, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
Boys and girls learn differently. They literally see differently. Male and female eyes are not organized in the same way. The male eye is attuned to motion and directions. Boys interpret the world as objects moving through space. Teachers should move around the classroom constantly and be that object for male students.
The male eye is also drawn to cooler colors like silver, blue, black, grey, and brown. It’s no accident boys tend to create pictures of moving objects like spaceships, cars, and trucks in dark colors instead of drawing the happy colorful family, like girls in their class.
The female eye, on the other hand, is drawn to textures and colors. It’s also oriented toward warmer colors—reds, yellow, oranges—and visuals with more details, like faces. To engage girls, teachers don’t need to move as much, if at all. Girls work well in circles, facing each other. Using descriptive phrases and lots of color in overhead presentations or on the chalkboard gets their attention.
Boys and girls also hear differently. When someone speaks in a loud tone, girls interpret it as yelling. They think you’re mad and can shut down. Girls have a more finely tuned aural structure; they can hear higher frequencies than boys and are more sensitive to sounds. Girls’ teachers should watch the tone of their voices. Boys’ teachers should sound matter of fact, even excited.
A boy’s nervous system causes them to be more alert when they’re standing, moving, and the room temperature is around 69 degrees. Stress in boys tends to increase blood flow to their brains, a process that helps them stay focused. This won’t work for girls, who are more focused seated in a warmer room around 75 degrees. Girls also respond to stress differently. When exposed to threat and confrontation, blood goes to their guts, leaving them feeling nervous or anxious.
Boys rise to risks and tend to overestimate their abilities. Teachers can help them by getting them to be more realistic about results. Girls at this age shy away from risk. Teachers can help them learn to take risks in an atmosphere where they feel confident about doing so.
These differences can be accommodated in the classroom. Single gender programs are about maximizing the learning. Jtmitchem (talk) 14:20, 2 August 2009 (UTC)

## Forget it! We don't separate the genders in real life. Students are going to have to get used to operating in the real world.

I do not agree that students should be put in single sex classrooms. I believe that children at any age are going to socialize and are going to be distracted at times during the school day regardless if a boy or girl is sitting next to each other. I have many guy friends and I feel I would have performed the same whether I was in a coed class or a class with only girls. Lwill031 (talk) 23:13, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I wouldn't like the idea of separating boys and girls in classrooms. The only class that I know where boys and girls are separated in is PE at the middle school level. A man has the boys and a woman has the girls. No other time are the boys separated from the girls or vice versa. It makes no sense to separate the genders.Msmhobbs04 (talk) 21:49, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I think separating boys and girls in class is crazy. Most of my best friends are boys and I would have felt completely out of my element in an all girl classroom setting. Students need to interact with the opposite sex starting when they are younger in order to make healthy relationships and learn from each other. If this was a one sex world then, sure, but males and females must interact everyday on a continuous basis in the "real" world, so separating kids when they are younger does not make any sense. Hcogg001 (talk) 20:05, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I think that single-sex classrooms are taking a step back, and not a step forward. Seriously, the real world isn't separated into male/female so our schools shouldn't be either, especially not publicly funded ones. I think that some people who argue FOR single-sex argue that students can concentrate better without the opposite sex around...but children should learn how to do this while going to mixed classes. How else would they learn? There is evidence that children do better in classes that are separated because girls and boys learn differently, but how are these kids going to do compared to their peers years later?Ldomm002 (talk) 02:17, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I do not think that separating the genders is a beneficial thing at all! Although boys and girls are different in many ways (and at certain ages can be very distracting to one another) I think that we have a lot to learn from the other sex. If we are going to encourage diversity in many other ways, we must also incorporate both girls and boys in the same classroom. I don't think that it does the children any good to learn this way (separately). I think that if we wish to share true learning experiences, things that can carry through to their adult lives, we must make things realistic and teach to both sexes together! Khedl002 (talk) 15:08, 1 August 2009 (UTC)khedl002
Separating genders is entirely counter productive to the public school system. A lot of what you learn when you attend public schools (outside of how to give swirlies, awful waffles (Salute Your Shorts reference, anyone?), and how to hate your own acne grease encrusted face) is social skills. How to work well and get You know, when it comes to education and competing to be the best, one has to wonder if this concept might actually have some merit. Studies have shown that boys and girls learn differently and at a different pace. As for classroom management, I think this may be a good idea to try out. I cannot tell you how many times I have witnessed boys acting out to impress the girls in the classroom and vice versa. Yes, school should have some type of socialization...but academics should be the main focus. I think it may prove beneficial for the student, as well as, the teacher. I think if we separated the genders in main academic classes, as well as, require school/parent approved uniforms we might see an increase in academic achievement as long as the teacher gears their lesson plans towards gender specific lessons. Just my thoughts...Scarlett1 (talk) 04:50, 1 August 2009 (UTC)along with others. You establish academic relationships, you build your little clicks, and you make some good friends in the process. As I type this, I'm laying out clothes for a wedding I'm going to over the weekend– a best friend of the opposite sex that I met in high school and have maintained that friendship for almost a decade. One has to not be so single-minded in terms of gender, and you get this way by conversing with and befriending the opposite sex. Hormones and nifty bits aside, we are essentially similar, but yet oh-so different. To deprive a working knowledge of gender-relations to someone all throughout their development into adults seems like a severe crime. What's the danger? Something natural occurring? Hsmit022 (talk) 22:20, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
I not sure that separating schools by gender will have any more of an effect than making students wear uniforms. I am not for either of those ideas. Are teachers separated by sex also? If so, wouldn’t the boys be over crowded? Do they all have separate lunch and recess times? Mlipl001 (talk) 22:01, 1 August 2009 (UTC)
No, I do not think there would be any benefit to separating the genders in school. I really do not think it makes a difference at all whether they are separated or not. The only time I can think it is done in schools now is when we are talkin about family life and I would say yes, there is one reason as to why we would separate the class by gender. I believe that it is beneficial for boys and girls to work together in one environment. I think by separating them there would not be that comfort and could possibly cause problems for individuals. Sston008 (talk) 18:36, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
I think separating boys/girls is a bad idea. Having both genders in the classroom adds variety different beliefs and perspectives. In school I believe that it is very beneficial for students to work with peers of both genders to learn to value individual differences. It is important for students to learn to work together effectively while encouraging each other. You can learn a lot from your peers. In society or when you enter the workforce you will definitely be working with both genders so why separate in schools. That idea makes me think of years ago when schools were segregated. I am a mom of 2 young children, a boy and girl. I would not want them to be separated with just boys or girls in school. Aferg006 (talk) 00:38, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
I don't believe that classrooms would be more effective by separating genders. Having different genders in the classroom allows for differing perspectives on issues and topics. It also allows for a sense of relief so students can work in groups with members of the opposite gender, and be exposed to different personality types according to gender. I feel that restricting the genders in the classroom would not be beneficial for learning. Rburt005 (talk) 20:29, 30 July 2009 (UTC)
I do not believe that our schools would be better if separated by gender. Students need to know and understand the different perspectives of both genders. The personalities of males and females differ and these differences need to be celebrated in the classroom. Working in groups and teams of both genders will help prepare students for the real world. If genders were restricted in the classroom, I do not think that students would get the most of out of the classroom learning experience. I know from my school years, I enjoyed working with both genders in groups and teams and I feel that most students would find this beneficial. Afett001 (talk) 21:05, 30 July 2009 (UTC)
I think separating students by gender is a terrible idea. I'm sure whoever came up with the idea has some good reasons, but all in all, it is a faulty idea. In the adult world, there are hardly any situations where males and females are separated, so it is not a good idea to have students used to this. Also, males and females have different views on the same topic, so having the genders together provides for better learning. Sbutl016 (talk) 22:26, 30 July 2009 (UTC)
Separating students by gender only seems to cause further difficulties down the road. In real life gender issues abound, if school skills are intended to transfer over to career skills most students will be working with or at least around members of the opposite sex. Removing this experience from their education would be more harmful than helpful to their "social" education. Much like how students who attend home school tend to have weaker social skills, and social cue recognition, separating the genders may cause students to lose, or at least, stint their ability to interact normally with the opposite sex. In a world where not only qualifications but also demeanor and connections are what get you gainfully employed, social education is as important as academic education.BitterAsianMan (talk) 14:55, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
I think that separating genders would do more harm than good. When we start our careers we will have to collaborate with the opposite gender to achieve a task or goal. If we separate the genders in school then they will be less likely to work together later on in life. This might also cause a superiority complex with one gender thinking that they are better than the other. Secondly, how many times have kids studied harder and excelled in a certain class just to show out for the opposite gender? More times than you think. Especially when the hottie is extremely smart. I just don't think it is a good idea. The social science would be awkward and could have negative effects later on in life. Emotions and hormones in the teenage years run wild and these could cause the same genders to butt heads so to speak. I think that is called male-male competition or female-female competition. I think it is better to leave them together to learn. Hcomb003 (talk) 16:05, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
Separating students by gender is a joke. I agree, in high school, students are often distracted by the opposite sex. When did that become so though? Outside of the classroom, both genders will have to interact with one another. Men and women, boys and girls, need to have a solid understanding of how to work together as teams. These partnerships are something natural that will go on for the rest of students’ lives. If we separated them, how would they learn about the opposite sex? How would they come to respect each other for their differences? I say, no way to this type of segregation. Abitt002 (talk) 18:59, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
I believe that having classes separated by gender is unnecessary. If a parent wishes to send their child to a single-sex school that is their choice. Life is not separated by gender. Why should schools be separated by gender? A child's school experience prepares them for real life. As educators, we encourage our students to work together in order to discover new ideas, formulate solutions, and grow socially. Classes based on gender would not provide these experiences. Teachers are tasked with preparing students for the "real world," not supporting gender segregation. In my opinion, the classroom is one of the most important environments in which boys and girls can learn about their differences. Acrow005 (talk) 19:17, 31 July 2009 (UTC)
I do not think that classrooms should be separated by gender. Although as time goes on it would solve many issues as the students approach middle school and high school, but in the real world this is not practical. How do we teach children how to interact and respect children of the opposite sex if they do not have the chance to be around them on a continual basis? I know that they do separate students when they are covering sex ed in schools, which is logical. Aside from that specific conversation there is no reason that sexes should not be integrated.Jnewh001 (talk) 02:13, 1 August 2009 (UTC)
After all the movements, laws and social changes affected by gender, it would actually be extremely harmful to students if classroom were based on gender. Both sides would begin to think that they are better or worse in one subject than the opposite gender, leading to a generation of misconceptions. Single-sex classrooms would also lead to sexism among peers; at an impressionable period through elementary and even middle school, the county would be back at least 50 years. Although I am not a teacher yet, I see gender as another aspect of the diversity in the classroom. For example, some teachers may have difficulty teaching minorities. It is not because they are racist, but because they do not understand the culture behind each student. The same concept applies to boys and girls. Some teachers may feel that they can teacher girls better than boys or boys better than girls. This could be based on research showing how boys tend to learn math better while girls tend to learn language arts better. The solution to this? Educators could find strategies that are appropriate for both genders; a good example would be simulations with generic roles. Adart001 (talk) 02:41, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I do not really see the benefit of separating the sexes in different classrooms. Yes, males and females have differences among them, but there are also a lot of similarities also. They will be expected to work collaboratively later in life, so why should we isolate them now and not prepare them for the future? I also don't think that public schools should be able to have this option themselves. This is not a matter of just wearing a school uniform (which I also disagree with) but much more complicated. Separating the sexes will completely restructure social groups and I don't see any benefit. Alucy001 (talk) 13:07, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I think that the idea to separate students by gender is useless, and unnecessary. Not to count the fact that it will be a more expensive procedure on a already tight educational budget. I think that students (an to form an inclusive atmosphere) should work together just like they would in the real world. It enhances communication and social skills and also it makes students better team workers. Ehern004 (talk) 16:49, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
Separating the students by gender is unrealistic. Not only would this practice be inconsistent with the real world, but it would also be a logistical nightmare for public schools, especially in more advanced classes that already have a hard time getting enough student interest. This would stretch our already limited qualified teaching staff twice as far as they are currently asked to be. If students do not learn the appropriate social skills in a co-ed setting now, when if not in school will they have such an opportunity. Scrai010 (talk) 01:31, 3 August 2009 (UTC)
I would never ever consider separating the sexes in attempts to improve the educational environment. Personally, I don't believe gender relations has anything to do with a child's learning. While it is understandable that lack of concentration may occur, both genders should learn to coexist in order to effectively interact in the future. I think this form of separation would ultimately inhibit a child's social behavior and should in no way be considered for implementation. Rpaige (talk) 02:14, 3 August 2009 (UTC)
I think that the title for this section is the perfect way to think about it. The real world isn't separated by sex so the classroom shouldn't be either. I will admit it will decrease on somethings that are unnecessary in the classroom, but it is the interaction between the sexes that makes high school what it is. Another thing that would change would be that men and women look at things in different ways. This is a problem because it will be harder for the other view point to be expressed. Rcoll029 (talk) 04:25, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

## Well, maybe we should separate the students part of the time.

I think that when it comes to high school, there can be benefits to separating students by gender. At that age, both sexes are easily distracted by the opposite sex. In a same sex school, boys and girls aren't trying to impress each another and are more free to concentrate on schoolwork and build social relationships. Stereotypes based on gender are reduced (boys are smarter in math, girls do better in the arts). My husband attended an all boys high school and wore a coat and tie to school everyday. Dances were organized for his school so there was co gender socialization. I am the Mom of a pre-teen daughter and if there was an all girls middle or high school in this area, I'd be first in line to enroll her. Sciaston (talk) 21:00, 30 July 2009 (UTC)
You know, when it comes to education and competing to be the best, one has to wonder if this concept might actually have some merrit. Studies have shown that boys and girls learn differently and at a different pace. As for classroom management, I think this may be a good idea to try out. I cannot tell you how many times I have witnessed boys acting out to impress the girls in the classroom and vice versa. Yes, school should have some type of socialization...but academics should be the main focus. I think it may prove beneficial for the student, as well as, the teacher. I think if we separated the genders in main academic classes, as well as, require school/parent approved uniforms we might see an increase in academic achievement as long as the teacher gears their lesson plans towards gender specific lessons. Just my thoughts...Scarlett1 (talk) 04:50, 1 August 2009 (UTC)
I think that the idea of separating the boys from the girls might be a good idea if done part time. Maybe if boys and girls were separated during elementary and middle school it would be beneficial. Girls and boys learn different, they may be better off without having the distraction of the other sex. Middle school is the most complicated and aquared years of life. Girls might develop a better sense of self esteem not having to compete with boys and not having to worry about their physical appearance at the moment, and I think boys would be less distracted by the physical of the female gender and focus more on scholastic achievement. Bpenn005 (talk) 00:58, 2 August 2009 (UTC)
I think it would be a good idea to separate students part of the time. I think creating single sex classrooms would in a lot of ways help the students to focus better. On the other hand, homosexuality is growing in influence these days, and creating same sex classes would not solve the problem of having anxious and flirty homosexuals in the classroom. Yet, in total, the amount of distractions would decline with the establishment of same sex classes. Students could be given time to bond with opposite sex friends in certain courses such as PE during the school day. Mbrowder (talk) 18:14, 16 August 2009 (UTC)