Podcast
Questions and Answers
What has been the focus of research into gender differences in education?
What has been the focus of research into gender differences in education?
What recent trend has been observed regarding boys and girls in science performance?
What recent trend has been observed regarding boys and girls in science performance?
According to a 2004 study by the Council of Ministers of Education, who possesses better literacy skills?
According to a 2004 study by the Council of Ministers of Education, who possesses better literacy skills?
What percentage of university graduates in Canada are male?
What percentage of university graduates in Canada are male?
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What percentage of 13-year-olds meet literacy targets according to gender?
What percentage of 13-year-olds meet literacy targets according to gender?
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What do experts agree is necessary regarding the gender divide in literacy?
What do experts agree is necessary regarding the gender divide in literacy?
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What is a common expectation regarding boys despite their lower literacy skills?
What is a common expectation regarding boys despite their lower literacy skills?
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Among 16-17 year olds, how much more likely are girls to achieve age-appropriate literacy levels compared to boys?
Among 16-17 year olds, how much more likely are girls to achieve age-appropriate literacy levels compared to boys?
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Which solution do some experts propose to address the gender divide in literacy?
Which solution do some experts propose to address the gender divide in literacy?
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Study Notes
Research into Gender Differences in Education
- Research into gender differences in education has focused on the poor performance of girls in science and math, while largely ignoring the low achievement of boys in reading and writing.
- Studies in Ontario, particularly those by Cecilia Reynolds, have shown girls perform well in reading and writing, this fact has long been recognized.
Education Gender Gap
- Recent research reveals a narrowing, and in some instances, a disappearing gender gap in science performance.
- This gap was significant previously but has greatly decreased.
- Experts predict girls may eventually surpass boys in overall future performance.
- The performance gap between boys and girls in science and math has almost entirely disappeared in recent years.
Literacy Skills
- A 2004 study found Canadian girls outperform boys in literacy skills.
- This gap has widened, particularly for thirteen-year-olds, with approximately 10% more girls reaching expected literacy targets than boys.
- This gap widens further among sixteen-year-olds, with 17% more girls reaching an age-appropriate literacy level compared to boys.
Labor Market Outcomes and University Entrance
- The Council of Ministers of Education noted a significant gender disparity for placement in the labour market and university admittance.
- Currently only 42% of university graduates in Canada are male.
- The number of male university graduates is decreasing.
Political and Cultural Perspectives
- Experts suggest that now is time to address the long-standing gender division in literacy.
- Explanations for these disparities in literacy skills vary amongst cultures.
- While some advocate for equal opportunity, others find political correctness an obstacle.
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Description
Explore the dynamics of gender differences in educational performance, focusing on recent studies about girls and boys in literacy and STEM subjects. Discover how the gender gap is changing over time and what implications this has for future education. Delve into the significant findings from Canadian research and the performance trends across subjects.