CLASSROOM AND GENDER – IMPLICATIONS FOR THE EDUCATOR

Gender as a term is widely used to describe the difference between the social role and personal identity of the female/male biological sexes. One’s image, behavior, and speech are all factors that help form a representation and gender identity. Unfortunately, Gender at times is viewed in a biased way resulting in oversimplification and unproductive generalizations which could be misleading. Various research studies suggest that gender of the teacher affects the achievement of the students in particular subject and shapes the communication between teachers and students. In case of male teacher the achievement of the girl students is affected and vice a versa. The career choices girls and boys make as well as their attitude also depends on the gender they represent. Therefore as educators, we have to remember that whichever gender we may represent we must take into consideration the needs of other gender and try to facilitate the achievement of both the genders. While teaching in the class we must be gender-sensitive and behave accordingly so that students from both the gender can confide in us. This will be imperative to sustainable development of society which is gender neutral.