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Do children learn better in single-sex schools?

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Yes

The primary goal of education' is that all children, irrespective of their gender, must succeed. We as parents and educators would certainly want our children to learn better and ultimately do well in life. Schools must therefore, create an environment geared towards learning' in the best possible way. After all, the purpose of all education is growth' and the growth of one's mind and the direction it follows, is the key to one's success in later years. As an experienced teacher spanning over two decades, at two Boy's Schools namely St. Mary's and St. Xavier's, and as a mother of two boys, I can confidently surmise that children do learn much better and subsequently become more successful from single sex schools than from Co-ed settings. Now, let us examine WHY!

"Education is not simply a preparation for life; education is life itself."- John Dewy. If we subscribe to this view, then do we not perceive a big gender difference in how life is lived by two different sexes? We all are well aware that a woman is cut out to play a distinctly unique role, a feminine role as a daughter, a wife, a mother -often referred to as the heart of the family'. On the other hand, a man plays a masculine role, a comparatively dominant role as a provider, a protector on whose shoulders the family responsibility rests. It is for these differences,' which are inherent in one's very being that schools catering to single sex education, could yield the greatest rewards as each would have a typical approach suited to meet the needs of the respective genders.

According to the recent survey as published in Sun Star Times{California}, in single sex schools students scored a higher rate of performance and achievement level in Exams than their counterparts in co-ed schools. It was noted that single sex schools offered immense opportunities for the students to tap their highest learning potentials without any qualms or distractions from the opposite sex. In co-ed schools, the gender roles could be subverted or even reversed-which could lead to serious repercussions in their adult life. Besides, the curiosity' aroused between each sex in relation to the opposite sex, would by and large, be a huge distraction for students to handle individually. This could be a deterrent in the learning process and would result in insufficient knowledge gained. Ultimately, a downward trend in academic standards would ensue.

The learning and adaptation styles of boys and girls are so different. Boys generally prefer to do things hands-on', they need greater freedom, are more comfortable in a rough or challenging environment. A teacher handling the boys must be proficient to keep them under control, no matter how aggressive or independent they may be.On the other hand, a teacher would need to adopt an entirely different approach, a softer, kinder approach while handling girls. Girls would work better and thrive in an environment wherein their teacher poses as a sympathetic friend and confidante offering them personal guidance. Girls, who are more sensitive by nature, need a more protective environment.

Girls are generally more inclined to languages and fine arts;boys are better at mathematics and science.Boys are generally mischievous; girls are often shy in the company of boys. Their fear of being laughed at or ridiculed in company of boys is greater. Hence girls would not readily open up in a Co-ed school. Boys by nature often try to bully' or tease girls about one thing or the other. This overbearing trait in the boys hamper or even stunt the free spontaneous growth of self-assertiveness in girls which could be damaging in their adulthood. Girls need more support whilst boys need greater independence. However,psychologist s agree that both need to explore, experience and realize their true intelligence within a stress-free environment and without social and emotional pressures prevalent in a co-educational setting.

It is heartening to learn that currently the Bush Administration is attempting to test out single-sex' public schools and classes within the current co-ed public school system.They announced that they would like to ease the legal restriction making it easier to be established. In doing so, they hope to make education more effective and meaningful for each of the sexes, thereby enhancing the overall academic standards of all children.

True education unlocks the wealth of treasures hidden in the soul of the child. Let us not deprive our children of the advantages of single sex schools.' Let us not deny our parents and educators of this choice. Let us have the courage to accept and encourage those parents who wish to opt for single sex school' for their children. Single sex schools are being currently advocated on the basis of tradition and cultural values. This system, showing excellent results, is predominant in many parts of the world today -especially in Secondary and Higher Education.
Let us not be tempted to take an easy way out.