Effect of streaming of students by gender in secondary schools
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Effect of Streaming of Students by Gender in Secondary Schools
Introduction to Gender Streaming in Education
Gender streaming, the practice of separating students based on gender, has been a topic of considerable debate in educational circles. This article synthesizes research findings on the impact of gender streaming on student achievement in secondary schools, focusing on subjects like mathematics and English, and examines broader social and psychological outcomes.
Impact on Mathematics Achievement
Improved Performance for Girls
Research conducted in Kenya indicates that gender streaming can significantly enhance the performance of students in mathematics, particularly for girls. An analysis of national examination results from 1999 to 2001 showed that girls in gender-streamed classes performed better than those in mixed-gender settings. This suggests that gender streaming may create a more conducive learning environment for girls, potentially due to reduced gender-based distractions and stereotypes.
Impact on English Language Performance
Enhanced Outcomes for Female Students
A study in Niger State, Nigeria, explored the effects of gender streaming on female students' performance in English. The findings revealed that female students in single-gender classes outperformed their peers in mixed-gender settings. This improvement was attributed to a learning environment that mitigates gender-specific social pressures and allows for more focused academic engagement.
Broader Social and Psychological Implications
Gender and Class Dynamics
The dynamics of gender streaming extend beyond academic performance to include social and psychological aspects. Research highlights that gender streaming can reinforce existing social class divisions and gender stereotypes. Teachers' gender biases and the construction of subject options often perpetuate these divisions, potentially influencing students' long-term educational and career trajectories.
Gender Segregation in STEM and Commerce
In India, gender streaming at the senior secondary level has been shown to contribute to significant gender disparities in the choice of study streams. Girls are less likely to pursue science and commerce compared to boys, a trend that persists even after accounting for cognitive abilities. This segregation can have long-term implications for gender equality in economic outcomes, such as occupational segregation and pay gaps.
Early Tracking and Gender Segregation
Increased Gender Segregation
Early tracking, the practice of placing students into different school types based on academic ability immediately after primary school, has been found to increase gender segregation. In countries with early tracking systems, girls are more frequently placed in more academic school types, leading to greater gender segregation at the secondary school level. However, this does not necessarily translate into gender gaps in achievement outcomes.
Conclusion
The practice of gender streaming in secondary schools has complex implications. While it can enhance academic performance for girls in subjects like mathematics and English, it also reinforces social and gender-based divisions. The broader impact on students' educational trajectories and long-term economic outcomes underscores the need for careful consideration and further research. Policymakers should weigh these factors when designing educational strategies to ensure they promote both equity and quality in education.
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