Ensuring Gender Equality in Global Education Policy

As children grow, they start noticing how different they are in terms of gender and the expectations that people have about them in society. Tutors usually interact with their students differently. If the interaction is positive, students will have an easy time participating in class and getting good grades. These interactions usually create lasting effects in their lives.

Quality education is one of the most important human rights that leads to self-realization. Gender equality in education usually leads to equal access, equal job opportunities, equal pay, and a competitive advantage for all. Here are some of the best tips that you can use to promote gender equality in the global education policy.

Factors that promote gender inequality in class

1.      Tutors tend to pay more attention to boys

The American Association of University Women did a study and found that girls usually receive less attention from their tutors compared to boys. This is largely because boys are more likely to respond to queries that have been posed in class even if the tutor hasn’t called on them. Also, most boys tend to be mischievous. And this forces tutors to keep an eye on them in class most of the time. In the long run, this discourages female learners from participating in class and learning valuable lessons. As a girl, you should get help with assignment writing if you don’t concentrate in class or have no time to work on your essays. You can find student research paper and essays online that will help you excel in class if your tutor pays more attention to boys.

2.      Boys interact publicly

Most tutors have a habit of conversing with boys from a distance compared to girls. This is because there is an expectation in society that they should communicate with girls in a soft and nurturing way and in a straight and professional way with males. Since the whole classroom can easily hear the conversations that tutors have with boys or have the appearance of tutors having a lot of conversations with boys casually. When this happens, most girls tend to converse privately. And this denies them an opportunity to participate in discussions that are male-dominant.

3.      The difference in praise and criticism between boys and girls

While tutors have the responsibility of communicating equally with every student, there are usually several differences in the things that girls and boys are criticized or praised for. For instance, male students usually receive more praise when they answer questions correctly compared to girls. Also, their wrong answers are usually overlooked. Girls are usually criticized more for answering questions incorrectly. Having few public conversations with girls tends to make their knowledge less visible. They end up concluding that the knowledge that boys have is more valuable than theirs. Another key difference is male students are usually criticized more for behaving poorly in class while their female counterparts are praised more for behaving well.

Promoting gender equality in the education sector

1.      Tutors should be objective and reflective

You need to pay attention in class and do everything you can to offer neutral responses to students of all genders. You may feel like you are doing a great job. However, it can be difficult to judge how you teach objectively. You might consider recording a couple of lessons to analyze your teaching methods and how you interact with learners in class. Your norms, language, and assumptions about gender can lead to gender inequality in class invisibly.

2.      Get feedback

You should consider getting feedback from your students and colleagues. There are a lot of great things that you are doing in class to help students perform better. However, there are a couple of things that you need to work on. At times, it can be quite difficult to notice what you don’t do right. Asking your students and colleagues open-ended questions without judging them for the answers they provide will help you play an important role in eliminating gender inequality. Also, encourage learners to read teacher comments for students’ writing and student contract for grades to achieve their goals.

3.      Gender-neutral language is key

Altering the language that you normally use in class will go a long way in expanding the perspectives of your students beyond gender. For instance, when preparing assignments, you can challenge the expectations of learners by discussing female soldiers, male nurses, female construction workers, or other professions that people associate with gender. Instead of using gender-sensitive language such as ‘guys’ when referring to all students, you should consider using neutral language such as ‘everyone.’ Avoid using stereotypical statements such as ‘girls don’t shout’ or ‘boys don’t cry.’ Such language hinders the understanding of students especially when it comes to gender roles.

4.      Incorporate project-based learning

Another great way to promote gender equality is by integrating boys and girls into small groups to work on a project. You need to use the appropriate type of project-based learning since there are different types. And each one of them is used differently. When boys and girls work together in class and receive the support they need, they’ll easily understand individual behaviours instead of stereotyping boys and girls. You can consider creating projects that explore cultural and gender equity.

5.      Be ready to explain

In most learning institutions, it’s easy to hear statements like ‘You need to man up’ or ‘Quit playing like a girl.’ Explaining the implications of such statements instead of simply warning students about using such phrases will go a long way in helping you eliminate gender inequality. Help learners understand that people became marginalized through simple tools such as language. Having in place clear rules about the use of language and learning about grading college papers will help you excel.

Conclusion

Gender equality is one of the most important aspects when it comes to education. Since tutors are usually in control in most learning institutions, they need to be aware of the factors that promote gender inequality and use the tips that we’ve shared here to create a conducive environment for learners to thrive.