Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Teacher Favors Boys
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have a teacher who favors the boys. When a student in my class asked him why the only response he gave was "how many female teachers did you have in grade school." But this is not grade school and all of the girls are fed up with it. We tried bringing it to the principal's attention but he just blew it off. Even the boys in this class admit to the unfair treatment, but they refuse to do anything in helping us change it because they like the favoritism in their favor. How can I make this teacher change his ways?
Sincerely,
Fighting for Fairness
*** *** ***
Dear Fighting,
There have been lots of studies that show boys often get called on more often to answer questions than boys. There have also been studies that show girls often are called "Sweetie" or "Honey" etc. while boys are called by their names. These behaviors can make girls feel like they aren't as smart or as important as the boys.
It's cool that you recognize it and have taken a step towards doing something about it. The answer he gave was not cool.
Let's assume your teacher really would like to be fair to both male and female students but he doesn't think you're telling the truth. Figure out exactly how he favors the boys. If it's by calling on them more often, make a list of the number of times he calls on boys vs. girls and do it for a whole week. Of course, don't let him know you're doing it. If it's some other behavior find a way to prove it objectively, again in a way that he doesn't know about.
At the end of the time you're doing it bring it to his attention. Don't yell, just show him your results. This may bring about a change. If it doesn't, you (and your parents) have something to go on. You can bring it to the principal of the school or whoever else you think would help. Maybe even bringing it to an administrator from your board of education is a possibility.
But the main message I want you to get is that you're only a victim if you allow yourself to be. I think it's great you're not rolling over and accepting what you think is unfair treatment. Now go and find the best way to change things for the better.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
I have a teacher who favors the boys. When a student in my class asked him why the only response he gave was "how many female teachers did you have in grade school." But this is not grade school and all of the girls are fed up with it. We tried bringing it to the principal's attention but he just blew it off. Even the boys in this class admit to the unfair treatment, but they refuse to do anything in helping us change it because they like the favoritism in their favor. How can I make this teacher change his ways?
Sincerely,
Fighting for Fairness
*** *** ***
Dear Fighting,
There have been lots of studies that show boys often get called on more often to answer questions than boys. There have also been studies that show girls often are called "Sweetie" or "Honey" etc. while boys are called by their names. These behaviors can make girls feel like they aren't as smart or as important as the boys.
It's cool that you recognize it and have taken a step towards doing something about it. The answer he gave was not cool.
Let's assume your teacher really would like to be fair to both male and female students but he doesn't think you're telling the truth. Figure out exactly how he favors the boys. If it's by calling on them more often, make a list of the number of times he calls on boys vs. girls and do it for a whole week. Of course, don't let him know you're doing it. If it's some other behavior find a way to prove it objectively, again in a way that he doesn't know about.
At the end of the time you're doing it bring it to his attention. Don't yell, just show him your results. This may bring about a change. If it doesn't, you (and your parents) have something to go on. You can bring it to the principal of the school or whoever else you think would help. Maybe even bringing it to an administrator from your board of education is a possibility.
But the main message I want you to get is that you're only a victim if you allow yourself to be. I think it's great you're not rolling over and accepting what you think is unfair treatment. Now go and find the best way to change things for the better.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
