Gender Differences in Education Research

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.