As the studies accumulate in this new era of pseudo-science, it seems that some school systems are embracing the gender studies with a frightening enthusiasm that could prove extremely detrimental to future gender equality.<\/p>\n
According to an article<\/strong><\/a> published by MSNBC in collaboration with Newsweek, some schools such as Foust Elementary in Owensboro, KY are trying a new program of dividing classes by gender, and using techniques that are gender specific to foster learning:<\/p>\n So Gray took a controversial course for educators on brain development, then revamped the first- and second-grade curriculum. The biggest change: he divided the classes by gender. Because males have less serotonin in their brains, which Gray was taught may cause them to fidget more, desks were removed from the boys’ classrooms and they got short exercise periods throughout the day. Because females have more oxytocin, a hormone linked to bonding, girls were given a carpeted area where they sit and discuss their feelings. Because boys have higher levels of testosterone and are theoretically more competitive, they were given timed, multiple-choice tests. The girls were given multiple-choice tests, too, but got more time to complete them.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n It seems that Kentucky classrooms aren’t the only ones to utilize this approach, the article claiming that over 185 classrooms nationwide have also separated the sexes and used the new brain difference studies to establish their curriculums. Critics of this wolf in sheep’s clothing approach are pointing out the obvious dangers of this, but unfortunately to little or no avail:<\/p>\n To some experts, Gurian’s approach is not only wrong but dangerous. Some say his curriculum is part of a long history of pseudoscience aimed at denying equal opportunities in education. For much of the 19th century, educators, backed by prominent scientists, cautioned that women were neurologically unable to withstand the rigors of higher education. Others say basing new teaching methods on raw brain research is misguided. While it’s true that brain scans show differences between boys and girls, says David Sadker, education professor at American University, no one is exactly sure what those differences mean. Differences between boys and girls, says Sadker, are dwarfed by brain differences within each gender. “If you want to make schools a better place,” says Sadker, “you have to strive to see kids as individuals.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As the studies accumulate in this new era of pseudo-science, it seems that some school systems are embracing the gender studies with a frightening enthusiasm that could prove extremely detrimental to future gender equality. Continue reading