The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers

by Gurian, Michael; Ballew, Arlette C.

• ISBN13: 9780787964856
• ISBN10: 0787964859
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-03-17
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

The landmark book Boys and Girls Learn Differently! outlines the brain-based educational theories and techniques that can be used to transform classrooms and help children learn better. Now The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers presents experiential learning techniques that teachers can use to create an environment and enriched curriculum that take into account the needs of the developing child's brain and allows both boys and girls to gain maximum learning opportunities. This important and easy-to-use guide is based on the latest scientific scholarship on the differences between boy's and girl's brains, neurological development, hormonal effects, behavior, and learning needs and offers information on what all children need to be able to learn effectively. Michael Gurian and his colleagues applied these recent discoveries in the field during a two-year Gurian Institute pilot program in Missouri that led to measurably better academic performance and improved behavior.

Author Biography

Michael Gurian is an educator, family therapist, and author of three national best-sellers, The Wonder of Boys, The Wonder of Girls, and Boys and Girls Learn Differently! He is cofounder of the Michael Gurian Institute (www.gurianinstitute.com) where, along with institute staff, teachers are trained in brain-based and gender innovations. He can be reached at www.michaelgurian.com Arlette C. Ballew is a writer and editor who specializes in experiential learning, training, education, and human resource development. She is the coauthor of seven volumes of Pfeiffer & Company's Training Technologies Series and of Earthquake Survival: Activities and Leaders Guide; the coeditor of the four volumes of Theories and Models in Applied Behavioral Science; and the developer of many experiential training activities, educational and training packages, leader's guides, and workbooks.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

Applying Brain-Based Research.

Boys and Girls Learn Differently!

Using this Guide.

The Contents of this Guide.

1. Background: how the brain learns.

Inherent Differences Between Boys’ and Girls’ Brains.

Developmental and Structural Differences.

Chemical and Hormonal Differences.

Functional Differences.

Differences in Processing Emotion.

Why There are Differences Between Male and Female Brains.

A Brief History of Brain Differences.

Hormones in Utero and at Puberty.

How Brain-Based Differences Affect Boys and Girls.

Learning-Style Differences.

Learning Differences and the Intelligences.

Applying Brain-Based Gender Research.

Academic Performance and Classroom Behavior.

Reading and Writing Competence.

Test Scores.

Psychological, Learning, and Behavioral Disorders.

Maturity, Discipline, and Behavior.

Educational Aspirations.

Athletics and Extracurricular Activities.

Cultural Gender Bias.

Sexual Abuse and Violence.

2. Bonding and Attachment.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Handling Children’s Emotional Stress.

Bonding and Attachment Solutions.

Elementary School.

Bonding and Attachment Activities.

Handling Students’ Emotional Stress.

The Role of the Mentor.

Middle School.

The Early Adolescent’s Drop in Self-Esteem.

Handling Students’ Emotional Stress.

Community Collaboration.

High School.

Showing Interest in Students.

Communication and Conflict Resolution.

Peer Leadership, Not Peer Pressure.

Mentoring.

3. Discipline and Related Issues.

Boys and Aggression Nurturance.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Dealing with Aggressive Behavior.

Elementary School.

Learning from Past Mistakes.

Discipline Techniques After an Offending Act.

Techniques to Prevent Undisciplined Behavior.

Conflict and Anger Management.

Motivational Techniques.

Character Education.

Dealing with Cruelty, Hazing, and Violence.

The Role of Media.

Middle School.

Strategies for Providing Discipline.

Community Collaboration.

Character Education.

High School.

Techniques to Prevent Undisciplined Behavior.

Character Education and Service Projects.

Helping Young Males to Manage Aggression.

4. Math, Science, and Spatial Learning.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

Self-Directed Activities.

Integrated Use of the Physical Environment.

Games to Encourage Logical-Mathematical Thinking.

Elementary School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

Using Manipulatives Whenever Possible.

Mixing Modalities and Strategies.

Use of Computers and Other Media.

Middle School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

Boys and Girls Need Some of the Same Things

Computer Science and Gender in Middle School and High School.

High School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

5. Language, Reading, Writing, and Social Science.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Using Movement, Manipulatives, and Props.

Elementary School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

Using Manipulatives.

Providing Various Learning Modalities.

Middle School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

High School.

Teaching Reading.

Teaching Language.

Teaching Social Science.

6. Physical Learning and Nutrition.

The Need for Physical Activity.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Developing Fine Motor Skills.

The Outdoor Classroom.

Elementary School.

Movement and Motor Skills.

Sports and Athletics.

The Outdoor Classroom.

Middle School and High School.

Sports and Athletics.

Mixed-Gender Sports.

The Outdoor Classroom.

Nutrition and Learning.

Obesity.

Carbohydrates, Proteins, and the School Day.

Fatty Acids.

7. Special Education.

A Program for Reading and Writing.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Bonding and School-Home Alliances.

Use of Psychotropic Medication.

Elementary School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

Spatial Stimulants, Movement, and Multisensory Approaches.

The Multisensory Approach to Reading Problems.

Middle School.

Factors in the Need for Special Education.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

The Underachiever.

High School.

Techniques to Encourage Learning.

8. Planning Your Own Experiential Activities.

Introducing Experiential Learning.

The Natural Learning Process.

The Teacher as Facilitator.

Experiential Learning Techniques.

Important Factors in Planning Experiential Learning.

Purpose(s).

Students.

Timing.

Involvement.

Preferred Input Modes.

Instructions.

Modes of Expression.

Psychological Safety.

Equipment, Manipulatives, and Props.

Planning Activities and Games to Enhance Learning.

Developmental Themes for Creating Learning Techniques and Activities.

9. Structural Innovations.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Innovations to Encourage Learning.

Parent-Involvement Programs.

Elementary School.

Use of School Time.

Class Size and Number of Teachers.

Use of Group Dynamics and Group Work.

Standardized Testing.

Middle School.

Separate-Sex Education.

Psychosocial Education.

Rites of Passage.

Uniforms and Dress Codes.

Other Innovations to Encourage Learning.

High School.

Class Size.

Team Teaching and Homerooms.

Use of School Time.

Uniforms and Dress Codes.

Innovations Students Want.

Full Psychosocial Education.

Rites of Passage.

Counterinnovations.

Appendix: Working with Parents.

Preschool and Kindergarten.

Elementary School.

Middle School.

High School.

References and Resources.

Publications.

Organizations, Programs, and Services.

The Authors.

The Gurian Institute.

Index.