Gemder Difference In Attainment, Int Pt.1: Lesson 26

Question 1

What are the internal factors explaining differences in attainment by gender?

Answer 1

• Equal opportunities policies
• Positive role models
• GCSEs & coursework
• Teacher attention
• Challenging stereotypes within curriculum
• Selection of league tables

Question 2

What’s the impact of feminism on equal opportunities?

Answer 2

• Influenced policy making gender equality a priority
• Schools now promote equal opportunities for boys & girls
• policies encourage girls to enter non-traditional careers

Question 3

What are some Equal opportunity policies?

Answer 3

• National curriculum: boys & girls study same subjects
• GIST: girls into science & technology
• WISE: women in science & engineering
• Gender neutral careers advice: removes gender bias

Question 4

What did Boaler 1998 say about equal opportunities?

Answer 4

• Impact of equal opportunities policies is a key reason for changes in girls achievement
• Barriers have been removed and schools are more meritocratic
• So Those who work hardest achieve more

Question 5

Key points on positive role models impacting girls attainment?

Answer 5

• More female teachers & headteachers than male
• These women in senior positions act as role model for girls, demonstrate status and success can be gained
• Female teacher are important role models for girls

Question 6

What did Gorard 2005 say about GCSEs & courseworks impact on gender attainment?

Answer 6

• Gender gap increased sharply when GCSEs were introduced 1989
• Coursework introduced favouring girl
• Gender gap is consequence of changes in assessment more than boys failing in education

Question 7

What did Mitos & Browne 1998 say about GCSEs & coursework?

Answer 7

• Agrees with Gorard about changing assessments explains attainment gap
• Coursework benefits girls because they’re better than it than boys
• Girls are better at coursework because; they spend more time on their work, more organised, meet deadlines, bring correct equipment

Question 8

Why do oral exams benefit girls?

Answer 8

• Have better language skills
• Have better vocabulary
• Due to primary socialisation girls encouraged to have qualities which benefit them in the long run