There is a lot of research on the Gender Gap in Reading and evidence to prove that girls show more interest in reading than boys and as a result, perform better than girls in the areas of the Language Arts.
The problem is boys read less fiction than girls. They prefer magazines that are analytical and contain facts more than narrative .These preferences affect their motivation toward school – based reading. (Coles and Hall, 2001).
Boys get excited about manipulating real world things, for example the makeup of vehicles and building things. However, it is these interactions that are overlooked, when we define literacy.
Can we say that boys are becoming literate in ways that girls aren't?
The problem is boys read less fiction than girls. They prefer magazines that are analytical and contain facts more than narrative .These preferences affect their motivation toward school – based reading. (Coles and Hall, 2001).
Boys get excited about manipulating real world things, for example the makeup of vehicles and building things. However, it is these interactions that are overlooked, when we define literacy.
Can we say that boys are becoming literate in ways that girls aren't?
Hi Jennifer. I find your comments quite interesting. I've been doing some research on why our boys are not reading well also. I've found that here in Trinidad we know that boys should be taught to read differently but that does not translate into teaching them to read differently.Food for thought!
ReplyDeleteClevia
Clevia,
ReplyDeleteI would like for you to expound on your last statement, regarding what you have read.Many teachers think it is easier to give the same instruction to all.However, with the introduction of educational technology in the school,it is hoped that it can be integrated into the school's curriculum.
At my school, our Principal encourages all teachers to use the available technology.I would like this to happen because technological and digital literacy are sites where boys are able to find challenging texts and become actively engaged...."(Millard 1977).
I will further research this. Stay tuned!
Jennifer, your thoughts on the different ways boys read from girls is significant in the way we approach reading in the classroom.Your question posted at the end makes me reflect from a female perspective as to the text material I prefer reading than that of many male counterparts.I often wonder how males understand so easily the mechanics of a car for instance, and I find it so difficult to connect the dots so to speak.
ReplyDeleteI believe that our boys need to be exposed to material that would interest them and draw them into a reading fraternity.Whenever the Language Arts teachers at my school are selecting text, I always try to remind them of its appropriateness to our local setting, if it would keep our boys engaged and creating activities that would appeal to both genders.