Benefits Of Gender Segregation In Modern Schools
The term segregation stirs up different images, feelings, and recollections among people. For some, segregation pertains to the mistreated African Americans in the early stages of the United States, irrelevant to the present-day situations. Nowadays, with the rise of feminism, this term has started to emerge into the spotlight again. There is a big debate whether or not there should be segregation of the sexes in schools. For my entire life, I have been in a private school setting, where they separated the boys and girls. I believe this separation molded me into the woman I am today. Therefore, we shouldn’t see segregation in a negative connotation, but rather as a privilege to learn in such an environment. Segregation of the genders helps foster greater academic performance among students, it builds confidence, and further creates long lasting, drama free relationships.
All parents want their children to succeed, but some value academic achievement more than other parents. These parents will typically do anything for their child to excel in school. In recent studies, the academic success demonstrated by standardized test scores in students from single-sex schools, has topped those scored from students in co-ed school systems. Therefore, college admittance rates for students of singles-sex schools are significantly higher.. Having mixed genders is prone to cause distractions and therefore lead to a decrease in the grades of students. Also, there is a difference in how best to teach females and males, in order that they learn the material in the best fashion, and retain the information successfully. Boys tend to be more active than girls, and after long periods of time spent sitting, they become restless. When in a co-ed environment, it is hard to provide different levels and styles of education. When teaching a topic, it is not possible to explain it in a couple different ways to cater to each gender’s learning style, without losing the other half of the class. The result of co-ed teaching is half the students zoning in and out when they learn the material best, based on the teacher’s teaching style; she simply cannot be catering to all their needs at the same time. This is not an effective method of teaching, as the material covered will be minimal, and half the time spent in class for the students is boring. It is not possible to differentiate their needs in the classroom. With single-sex schools, the methods of teaching are geared toward all students being taught. Teachers are able to accommodate these differences and cause higher proficiency in academic achievement. They can change their method of teaching to reflect and fit the gender’s learning methods and needs, fostering a better learning experience for both genders. The more we know about each gender, such as their learning style and needs, the better we can ensure them reaching more successful achievements.
Moreover, single-sex education provides an opportunity to break down gender stereotypes that exist in society. Single-sex schools allow students to learn in an environment that is free of gender roles. Separating the genders will allow everyone to succeed and reach their full potential, in whichever area they wish. There is no pressure or standard one needs to uphold in a certain skill seen typical for each gender. Single sex education for girls will enable them to do well in math and science, which are seen as more masculine subjects. This will also allow women to present themselves in careers such as computer programmers and engineers, where they are underrepresented. Boys can pursue, subjects deemed more feminine like art and poetry. The separation of boys and girls also enhances the opportunity in leadership, that each student possesses. It ensures that both sexes can assume leadership roles and that students are able to compete in any extracurricular activities they wish, such a basketball or dance, without any traditional stereotypes of identity roles. Single-sex schools can actually break down the gender stereotyping, while co-ed schools actually strengthen it.
Single-sex education also fosters authentic relationships with someone’s peers. The lack of distraction from the opposite sex, provides students an opportunity to focus on their relationship with their peers. They are able to create long-lasting relationships that are genuine because there is no crazy high school dating drama. The relationships that are formed in single sex environments are fundamental, since those people will remain by one’s side no matter what. Girlfriends and boyfriends simply come and go. If an individual breaks up with their boyfriend or girlfriend, their entire social network is at risk. This is because whoever they are dating is part of their circle of friends, and they likely do everything together. On a separate note, girls tend to be nicer to each other, as they are not competing with each other for boys in a non co-ed environments. Furthermore, students will feel a greater sense of acceptance and a tolerance to portray their truest self, as there is no need to impress any boys. Even if someone is dating in a single-sex school, their social network is typically separate from the person they are dating, and they have great friends who are not jeopardized should they end up breaking up. For all of the abundant reasons listed, co-ed environments place young adolescents in a severe disadvantage, from those who are in a single-sex surrounding.
Alternatively, people argue that same-sex schools do not prepare their students for the workplace and how to interact in a mixed gender environment. They say that school is the preparation for the workplace, and therefore is critical to help foster the belief in each student that they are ready for the working environment. Each student should feel that they have the basic communication skills needed, they will be able to communicate effectively, and they can politely argue their viewpoint on an issue. This assertion is not necessarily true, because many students have family members, relatives or family friends of the opposite gender. School is not the only setting that is for mixed genders, there are parties and community activities which will allow everyone to interact and socialize with each other. Also, some say that girls influence the boy’s behavior for the better. Because of this, boys have become less aggressive, less disruptive, and achieved better academic performance. This may be true, but it does not necessarily benefit the girls. When in a same-gender environment, girls do not have to be worried or intimidated by the boys. They tend to be less shy and embarrassed if anything were to happen, allowing them to perform to the best of their ability. Additionally, critics claim that it undermines gender equality and maintains the views of sexism in society. It promotes the wrong message, causing a chauvinistic environment. On the contrary, when women are separated from men they feel they have a sense of worth and confidence. This is because women are usually looked upon as inferior to men and when given the opportunity they can flourish. Despite opposers believing that co-ed environments are beneficial in many ways, we see that a single-sex environment triumphs.
Considering the advantages of gender separate schools, it is apparent that this learning style promotes academic focus, better self-esteem, and healthier relationships among students. Gender specific schools are more easily able to address the needs of their students, as boys and girls learn differently. Additionally, unlike co-ed schools, students do not have the stress of boy-girl distractions and drama in school. All of these aspects contribute to successful, well-rounded students. Segregation should no longer be deemed an uncomfortable term. America needs to realize separation can be a useful tool to encourage success among young adolescents.
