Differences

This week’s Ch. 9 of our text Experiencing School Mathematics has prompted much discussion around the topic of gender and the learning of math. Boaler’s study reveals that girls and boys have different learning styles when it comes to math. Because of the variation in learning styles girls or boys may be disadvantaged if only one form of instruction is instituted by teachers.

After reading many of our classmates postings on the issue of gender and mathematics and reflecting on my them, here are my thoughts:

It is my job to engage ALL of my students in learning activities that result in their gaining of knowledge. My job is not to “cover” curriculum outcomes, but to ensure that EVERY STUDENT in my class demonstrates learning of these outcomes. My job is to accept and teach my students as they are; different genders, races, abilities, family situations, socio-economic status, languages, exceptionalities and experiences.

I do not think that we need to spend our efforts in looking for the differences in our learners, or debating if they exist. Our efforts need to be invested in exploring methods to teach ALL our learners. By differentiating instruction we are giving all learners a chance to gain knowledge. If a student does not learn, then it is our job to try another teaching method.