2 of 21

No

Write now Article Tools

I do not believe that the gender of students has any bearing on the learning process. Students will learn at their own pace and level of ability regardless of what gender their classmates are.

One purpose of education is, or should be, to learn how to get along with all people of both genders and of all backgrounds. There are good and bad men and women and good and bad in all races, creeds and national origins. But if children are sheltered from what the world has to offer they will be afraid and distrusting of all other groups. And those groups also include the physically challenged.

My own mother grew up in a background of no father (deceased at her babyhood) and an extremely mentally challenged brother. She wanted to go to the coed school but the girls' high school was nearer to home and so she was forced to go there. As a result, she had terrible insecurities in relationships with men since she had no idea what a positive, functional man would be about. Her relationship with my father was full of anger and argument for years. My father went to a boys' school and had only brothers. My bitter, angry paternal grandfather had no idea how to treat other men, much less women.

I grew up in a community of 80% Caucasians with a few Hispanics and Asians. My first time attending school with students of other races and backgrounds was in college. One of the first African American families in our community had a cross burned in their front yard. The prejudices were hidden until residents found a target. I am physically challanged, and the other students did nothig but abuse me. The teachers did nothng about it, and didn't care.

Education serves not only to teach the 3 R's but also to supply or supplement whatever is lacking or dysfunctional in students' homes and personal lives.
It also provides necessary exposure to people of many backgrounds and lifestyles. Lack of exposure brings fear, fear promotes prejudice, and prejudice at its worst begets violence.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Kooper.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Do children learn better in single-sex schools??
We want to hear your view. Write now!