I never realized how big of an issue gender can be when it comes to classroom teachers. When I was in middle and high school, it was just a minor detail whether my teacher was a man or a woman, but I am starting to realize that isn't always the case. I've heard my co-op say on several occasions that she thought that some of the issues we've been having are due to the fact that she is a woman, but I wasn't sure. There were always other variables.
But today I really saw how big of a difference gender can make.
My homeroom had a UA class first period. After they came back one of the students kept repeating something about the teacher from that class. My co-op took him into the hallway and he apparently broke down crying because of something that happened in that class. Strangely enough, my co-op has done similar things in our class, but the student has not reacted this way at all, actually he has acted quite the opposite.
When I spoke with my co-op about it later she pulled the gender card again. It was then that it hit me how big of a difference it can play. From what I've seen so far, students behave and respond better to a male teacher, but they become more attached and feel safer in the female teacher's class. This particular student has asked on several occasions to stay behind with us instead of going to other class periods.
I will be interested to see if my theory on this matter remains the same throughout the rest of the year. Any thoughts/experiences?
My students seem to be the same way. They have 1 male teacher this quarter, and his class tends to be all business. They behave much better for him than they do their other teachers. However, when they come into our classroom, it is obvious that they feel more comfortable there. They have a little more freedom to call out and/or ask questions. It's weird how this works, but I've noticed it, too.
ReplyDeleteFunny story -- the students are petrified of the teacher next door to us. Not a single one of them have him for class, but they freak out and are the perfect students if we say "Mr. W. is going to come in and teach this if you don't behave." He is the nicest teacher and I have seen him interact with students enough to know he's not scary at all. I asked one of the kids why they were afraid of him, and the response was, "Miss, he's really tall!" No joke!
ReplyDeleteOn a serious note though, I'm seeing the same exact thing, but it doesn't seem to be as bad as what you're experiencing. I have noticed that the girls are the ones who are usually causing problems and won't listen when you ask them too, but the boys get really upset if you have to talk sternly to them and will get back on task right away. I often wonder how much of what's going on at home has anything to do with this (i.e. mom is the one who is in charge, dad yells a lot, etc...).