Dear Editor,
I welcome Dr Glenda Simms' view regarding boys' learning, performance and ratings in the context of our formal education system. I may be more sympathetic than Dr Simms, though, having witnessed many boys languishing from severe verbal lashing, spirited castigation and intellectual incarceration. They languish because of inflated allegations of idleness, lack of interest, poor attitude, and the often-voiced, ill-conceived notion that they are not smart as girls.
The allegations embraced by many are posited militantly by the splendidly ignorant. This ignorance relates to learning in general, and the learning styles of boys, in particular. There is great lamentation that boys are "being outperformed by girls". But, truly, behind the dark cloud of lamentation is a silver lining of gloating by many that "it's woman time now".
Today's students have fast, easy access to a plethora of exam over-supportive materials. There are sneak-preview specimen papers, voluminous question banks, real-life videos, audio books, interactive software, designated websites, online tuition, extensive camps, 'heavyweight' coursework components, and sympathetic marking schemes. Girls bask in all this pampering. Our education system favours girls in preparation for the sitting of exams. The teaching and testing methodologies, classroom configurations, all complement the learning styles of girls.
Boys are object-oriented learners (see www.amazon.com/Teach-Boys-Object-Oriented-Learners-ebook/dp/B007HEKAFC). They thrive on problem-solving, not regurgitation. They persevere with the complex. Their learning styles are largely ignored, and sometimes berated. Today's exams fail to bring out their intellectual prowess. They used to outperform girls in all areas that were problem-based. Many areas are now nearly devoid of problem-solving, hence the touted 'ascendancy' of girls. Boys are, therefore, unfairly treated by the education system. Their academic achievements, despite the harsh environment, show that they outperform girls.
Hensley Pink
Frankfield PO
Boys would outperform girls if...
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I welcome Dr Glenda Simms' view regarding boys' learning, performance and ratings in the context of our formal education system. I may be more sympathetic than Dr Simms, though, having witnessed many boys languishing from severe verbal lashing, spirited castigation and intellectual incarceration. They languish because of inflated allegations of idleness, lack of interest, poor attitude, and the often-voiced, ill-conceived notion that they are not smart as girls.
The allegations embraced by many are posited militantly by the splendidly ignorant. This ignorance relates to learning in general, and the learning styles of boys, in particular. There is great lamentation that boys are "being outperformed by girls". But, truly, behind the dark cloud of lamentation is a silver lining of gloating by many that "it's woman time now".
Today's students have fast, easy access to a plethora of exam over-supportive materials. There are sneak-preview specimen papers, voluminous question banks, real-life videos, audio books, interactive software, designated websites, online tuition, extensive camps, 'heavyweight' coursework components, and sympathetic marking schemes. Girls bask in all this pampering. Our education system favours girls in preparation for the sitting of exams. The teaching and testing methodologies, classroom configurations, all complement the learning styles of girls.
Boys are object-oriented learners (see www.amazon.com/Teach-Boys-Object-Oriented-Learners-ebook/dp/B007HEKAFC). They thrive on problem-solving, not regurgitation. They persevere with the complex. Their learning styles are largely ignored, and sometimes berated. Today's exams fail to bring out their intellectual prowess. They used to outperform girls in all areas that were problem-based. Many areas are now nearly devoid of problem-solving, hence the touted 'ascendancy' of girls. Boys are, therefore, unfairly treated by the education system. Their academic achievements, despite the harsh environment, show that they outperform girls.
Hensley Pink
Frankfield PO
Boys would outperform girls if...
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