Group Differences Forum

At the end of this course, we had the opportunity to participate in a group differences forum. This was a really neat experience, as we were able to chose a topic that was of particular interest to us and share our thoughts and questions on the topic with our peers. For my group, we read an article called, "The Myth of Pink and Blue Brains" by Lise Eliot. This article focused on the ways in which the gender gap between girls and boys could be closed. Honestly, prior to reading this, I had not given much thought or attention to why the gender gap exists and what affect this has on boys and girls. I found it surprising that the article mentioned, "the range of performances within each gender is wider than the difference between the average boy and girl" (Eliot, 2010, p. 32). In my mind, I have always pictured the difference level to be greater between boys and girls than between girls and girls/boys and boys. However, reading this helped put it into perspective of how little the difference levels actually are between genders.

One of the suggestions that Eliot provides for reducing the gap that I thought was so obvious, yet is not always practiced in classrooms, is to avoid stereotyping. All children, regardless of gender, should be invited to participate in the same activities. However I have seen it common in classrooms to invite girls to play in imaginary play and dress up, while the boys are invited to play with blocks or participate in physical activity games. Teachers treat these boys and girls differently, and thus results in the gender gap.

After reading the article and discussing it with the class, I realize that I would have loved to have heard more real examples of ways the gender gap has been addressed in classrooms. How are teachers in the field currently working to limit this gap? Or are they doing anything at all?

Another topic that we discussed during the forum that intrigued me was race, and how to modify student's racial attitudes. I wish there was more time to have spent covering this topic because I would love to have heard more practical and ethical ways to help students have a positive attitude towards their peers of different races. I believe it can personally all start with creating a classroom community of trust and openness; however, I am always looking for more strategies to have when I enter into my teaching!

Having heard each of the topics presented during this forum, I believe I will be more aware and conscious of the numerous differences I will encounter among my students. My objective will be to seek out resources and advice from mentors and fellow teachers to address the differences and meet each of my student's individual learning needs.