benefits of coeducation |

So what is the coed advantage? It’s everywhere at LCC, but it was certainly on display this morning at our Middle and Senior School assembly. A group of girls and boys collaborated to lead several presentations on the sensitive topic of feminism and gender issues. It was exactly the kind of activity that underscores the benefits of having girls and boys together in a constructive learning environment.

The assembly reinforced my belief that the best way to expand student horizons is through active engagement. The coed advantage reinforces key principles: promotion of equality, exposure to diverse perspectives, learning excellence for all, and the development of healthy and respectful friendships. Today’s activity was a special example of boys and girls collaborating and learning together with a focus on mutual respect.

The students explored myths about feminism and facts and assertions around gender issues. They did so in a creative and confident manner. That was not a surprise to me, but it was certainly impressive.

As educators we have a special responsibility to model equity and promote open dialogue and equal opportunities in students’ learning. That’s why I believe a coed learning environment is the best place to learn, explore and develop. — Chris Shannon, Headmaster

An article posted on the electronic edition of The Globe and Mail caught my attention the other day. The title was provocative – “Study finds ‘collateral damage’ of same-sex schools.” Sensationalism aside, the article reported on a recent study out of Penn State University that concluded single-sex schools, “… fail to show any demonstrable educational improvements over co-ed schools – but more importantly, there is evidence to suggest that children at such schools are more likely to accept gender stereotypes.”

I was also very interested in the fact that the study referred to recent brain research on the subject. “Despite the commonly held notion that boys and girls have different brains that require different teaching styles, Prof. Liben (Professor of Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, and Education, Penn State) points out neuroscientists have found very little difference between male and female brains, and none of them are connected to education.”

The article and its link to an excerpt from the journal Science are worthwhile reading and possibly passing on to friends.—Patrick Peotto, Assistant Head

PS:

For more information about the advantages of coeducation, read:

The Benefits of a Coeducational Environment (CAIS, survey 2005-2006)
The American Council for Coeducational Schooling (website)

Tag Archives: benefits of coeducation

The Coed Advantage

The Case for Coeducation