same+sex+schooling-+pros+and+cons

= RAHS Note Page =

Source
Russell, Sophia. "Same-Sex Schooling- Pros and Cons." //suite101.com//. N.p., 5 Oct. 2007. Web. 2 May 2010. .

Summary/Direct Quote
In actuality, boys in coed schools are less likely to take up the arts in fear of being labeled a homosexual. They are also less likely to take advanced courses in fear of being labeled a geek. Girls, on the other hand have experienced some of the same problems on the reverse side. They avoid math and science in order to not seem masculine. The irony is private same-sex settings are reappearing and the results are positive. The truth is, we all learn differently and require different methods of education. Parents are looking at the educational benefits of same-sex schooling as opposed to the social benefits of coeducational schooling.

The Pros of Same-Sex Education
Socially, same-sex schools are emotionally easier on students. Stereotypes based on gender are not a huge issue in these settings. Girls are more outspoken and competitive when boys are not around to tease them. They also feel more comfortable participating in sports and traditionally male dominated fields when boys are not watching. Conversely, boys become less competitive and collaborate more because they don’t have to worry about girls’ opinions of them. They can also feel free to participate in the arts with a class full of other boys. Proponents of same-sex schooling say this freedom builds confidence in young students and allows them to concentrate on their studies more because it removes the distractions of coeducational social pressures. Although very little research exists, some studies have suggested that the benefits are more evident in girls, lower income families and minorities. Author Rosemary Salomone, argues that there is a place for same-sex schools. In her book, //Same, Different, Equal: Rethinking Single-Sex Education// (Yale University Press 2005), she examines the benefits of single-sex education in the public realm.