She likes her role as teacher's helper, she is comfortable and confident in the role, and she does a great job. I'm concerned because this role limits Christi's self-identity. If she sees herself as teacher's helper, it is impossible for her to see herself as academic risk-taker and rule breaker. The two roles are mutually exclusive. However, if my ultimate goal is to treat all children without gender-bias, I must acknowledge that encouraging Christi to assume the gendered role of teacher helper trapped her and endangered her potential for growth.
Male students control classroom conversation . . .
They get help when confused. Andy is the epitome of the bright boy who demands and gets attention, help, and praise at the expense of the girls in the classroom. Profile 3 exemplifies this trend. This was the saga of a bright boy who received more than his share of attention. He learned quickly and thought deeply.