As I continue to research my topic, I've found incontrovertible evidence that gender bias exists. Teachers may perpetuate male dominance or otherwise affect the self-esteem, self-confidence, and achievement levels of both males and females.
"Teachers' biases, intentional or otherwise, also send clear and harmful messages that are very influential as children form beliefs in their own abilities. Children's perceptions of gender roles are affected not only by overt forms of gender bias, such as being told they can or cannot do a task because of their gender, but also by the "hidden curriculum"-the subtle lessons that children encounter every day through teachers' behaviors, feedback, classroom segregation, and instructional materials." from http://www.blnz.com/news/2008/04/23/Gender_Bias_Classroom_Current_Controversies_2969.html
It is also clear that there are other biases based on demographics. However, I am having a hard time tracking down any research on whether or not teachers in higher education treat older students differently from the traditional 18-20 year-old college students -- will continue to search for studies.
I'll tackle this and factors like race and ethnicity next time. Then I can move toward talking about how avatars might be used to ameliorate the problem.
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Hi Liz,
ReplyDeleteAs I was perusing your blog entry all I could think about was when my kids were in elementary school. Every spring (and as the school year would come to a close) the parents would begin to talk about the teacher they hoped their child would get the following fall.
"I hope Suzie gets Ms. So-and-so because she's warm and fuzzy and just LOVES girls." "I'm asking for Mr. Macho as Billy's teacher next year because he can keep the boys in line. He really knows how to work with them." "Ms. Lovely has boys of her own, she's better with boys." I hope you get my drift here.
I'm sure this is common in most, if not all, schools. Even the parents have preconceived notions about gender in the classroom! Gender bias is alive and well.
Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
Liz,
ReplyDelete"The use of avatars to ameliorate gender bias in education" sounds like a possible foundation for dissertation research. I know I would be fascinated by any findings in this regard.
- Hap Aziz
Liz,
ReplyDeleteGender bias whether conscious of unconscious in the classroom is a very interesting topic. Like Debbie, I've also heard of parents requesting a certain teacher because so and so has 3 boys! I've seen other teachers tell students things like these are boy colors, or that's a girl color, pick something else! I try not say anything like this, but I'd like to see research done that discusses unconscious gender bias in the classroom.