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Encyclopedia of Science Education pp 1–2Cite as

Single-Sex Classes in Science

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Single-sex classes have been introduced into coeducational schools – and in some cases universities – in numerous countries, including Australia, England, New Zealand, Sweden, and the USA. Although a few coeducational schools have implemented single-sex classes throughout the whole school and across all curriculum areas, in most cases they are introduced in specific subject areas and/or for particular age groups. Often, they are introduced with an aim of fostering engagement of girls in “masculine” curriculum areas (e.g., math) or boys in “feminine” curriculum areas (e.g., languages).

Concerns about the underrepresentation of women, compared to men, in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) frequently underpin initiatives to teach these subjects in single-sex classes. Arguments for single-sex classes vary. Some argue that there are innate differences between boys and girls that means they learn differently and, therefore, need to be taught differently....

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References

  • Jackson C (2002) Can single-sex classes in co-educational schools enhance the learning experiences of girls and/or boys? An exploration of pupils’ perceptions. Br Educ Res J 28(1):37–48

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  • Martino W, Mills M, Lingard B (2005) Interrogating single-sex classes as a strategy for addressing boys’ educational and social needs. Oxf Rev Educ 31(2):237–254

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  • Parker LH, Rennie LJ (2002) Teachers’ implementation of gender-inclusive instructional strategies in single-sex and mixed-sex science classrooms. Int J Sci Educ 24(9):881–897

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  • Younger M, Warrington M (2006) Would Harry and Hermione have done better in single-sex classes? A review of single-sex teaching in coeducational secondary schools in the United Kingdom. Am Educ Res J 43(4):579–620

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

    Carolyn Jackson

Authors
  1. Carolyn Jackson
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Correspondence to Carolyn Jackson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Monash University Fac. Education, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    Richard Gunstone

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© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht

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Jackson, C. (2014). Single-Sex Classes in Science. In: Gunstone, R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Science Education. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_380-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6165-0_380-3

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-007-6165-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference EducationReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Education

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