Mentoring Boys - The official website of Barry Macdonald author of Boy Smarts

Questioning Single-Gender Education
Are we heading into troubled waters by oversimplifying the relationship between
gender and learning?

Hello Barry,

In recent years our Ontario educators have been grappling with questions related to closing the significant achievement gap between boys and girls on provincial assessments.

The Ontario Principals’ Council has recently published an interview with the founder and executive director of the National Association for Single Sex Public Education in the United States that has stimulated much discussion about how to raise boys’ achievement. While some educators are seriously considering gender-segregated classrooms, others question whether we may be heading into troubled waters by oversimplifying the relationship between gender and learning.

During your keynote address at the EQAO conference in Ontario, you challenged educators to consider the diverse learning needs of boys and girls across a broad continuum rather than to simply frame the debate as a binary opposition of boys vs. girls. You maintained that while gender tendencies in learning styles certainly exist, there are more similarities than differences between boys and girls. You argued that the learning needs of children would best served by improving our understanding of diverse learning needs in our communities rather than dividing learners into two groups—boys and girls.

I am curious what you think about whether the movement toward single-sex education is worthy of pursuit. What are some alternatives that you might suggest we explore?

Joe Lamoureux
President, Ontario Teachers’ Federation

"It was terrific to be with by a master teacher who walks the talk!"
Karl Moser

"I learned concise ways to speak with boys and maintain connection with them in the midst of conflict. The illustrations brought it all home for me and took what I already knew to a deeper level."
Kim Nenzen

"I have been to Barry's sessions over the years and marvel at how he keeps his approach fresh, down to earth and always puts student's needs front and centre. His gentle reminder that we are not paid to teach cooperative kids but are professionals who teach all kids is a powerful message."
Kerr McConnell

"I learned ways to allow boys to "save face" when in conflict so that they can get back to their learning activities. Barry’s whole approach inspired and encouraged me. I look forward to teaching those boys who are hard to handle."
Sandy Roberts

"Barry has an outstanding professional style of delivery."
Bill Bailey

"The two days pulled together a lot of strands that I had previously read about and now feel as though I have deepened knowledge.”
Carol Brown

"The workshop offered variety, diverse activities and an opportunity to try out some new teaching ideas that will benefit both boys and girls."
Garry Jones

"Great combination of theory, the practical, and options for application. Barry really demonstrated a style of teaching that would not only engage boys at school but certainly kept me tuned in."
Caroline Becir

"Excellent presentation style - vibrant, energetic and thought-provoking. Barry's insight and deep knowledge combined with his personal stories kept me inspired and engaged."
Shannon Friesen

"This workshop affirmed my delight with teaching. It also celebrated boys' strengths, their uniqueness and the important role we have to honour their individuality. I look forward to developing a school-wide plan of action with the staff at my school."
Sharyn Andruski-Collins

"When Barry interviewed the teenage boys who had previously given up on school and were ready to drop out I got inside their world and got a glimpse what we can do to inspire and engage boys to develop a passion for learning. Thank you!"
Michelle Boss

"The humorous approaches to frustrating situations with boys - which most teachers and parents encounter - offered me so many strategies that I shall use and share with colleagues. A tremendous amount of care and consideration went into planning this workshop."
Leyla Pontes-Serra

"Laughter is indeed inner-jogging for the brain. Thanks for helping me see how I can have even more fun with boys while also maintaining my connection with the girls in my class."
Katy Bostock

"I appreciated how the material didn't make it seem like all this boy-stuff is new or ‘in addition to’, but rather is all part of what we've been working on for years: developing literacy, a love of learning, practical skill-building and social responsibility. The 2 days presented everything I value about teaching in a bright and innovative manner."
Jan Thorburn

"Barry's exposure to such diverse perspectives and research helped me to make sense of divergent views. The workshop atmosphere of "relaxed alertness" is exactly what I strive for in my classroom."
Brent Brach