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Course Description:
Boys are struggling in schools at an alarming rate—falling behind in literacy, disengaging from learning, and facing higher rates of disciplinary action than their female peers. Many teachers see this happening in their own classrooms but aren’t sure what to do about it.
This course is designed to help educators understand the root causes of these educational discrepancies and, more importantly, provide practical, research-backed strategies to engage and support boys in the classroom. Through interactive lessons, real-world case studies, and collaborative discussions, participants will explore how boys learn best, how to foster their emotional well-being, and how to create a classroom culture that helps them thrive.
If you’ve ever wondered why so many boys seem unmotivated in school—or felt frustrated trying to reach them—this course is for you. By the end, you’ll have the tools to make learning more accessible, meaningful, and successful for the boys in your classroom.
Course Rationale
If you’ve been teaching for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: boys tend to struggle more with reading and writing, they fidget more, they’re more likely to be labeled as "disruptive," and they often disengage from school altogether. This isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by decades of research.
But here’s the thing: It’s not because boys are "bad students" or "just don’t care." It’s because many aspects of the modern classroom weren’t designed with boys' natural learning tendencies in mind. Traditional school structures often emphasize quiet, compliance, and sitting still—things that can be particularly challenging for many boys. Meanwhile, emotional expression and social development are areas where boys often receive less support than they need.
This course exists because we believe that boys deserve just as much opportunity to succeed as their female peers. And when we, as educators, understand how boys learn and what they need to thrive, we can make meaningful changes that benefit everyone.
This is not about lowering expectations for boys. It’s about meeting them where they are, using what we know about brain development, motivation, and engagement to set them up for success. Because when boys feel seen, supported, and capable, they don’t just perform better academically—they grow into confident, well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.
Unit 1: Understanding the Gender Disparity in Education
Objectives:
Identify key differences in academic performance between boys and girls.
Explore research on how boys and girls learn differently.
Discuss social and cultural influences on boys' educational experiences.
Unit 2: The School Environment and Its Impact on Boys
Objectives:
Analyze how traditional schooling structures favor certain learning styles.
Evaluate discipline policies and their disproportionate impact on boys.
Discuss the role of male teachers and mentors in boys' education.
Unit 3: Teaching Strategies to Engage Boys
Objectives:
Learn teaching methods that align with boys' learning styles.
Explore strategies to foster literacy and writing skills.
Implement movement-based and hands-on learning techniques.
Unit 4: Social and Emotional Learning for Boys
Objectives:
Address emotional regulation and expression in boys.
Foster resilience, motivation, and a growth mindset.
Explore mentorship and peer support programs.
Unit 5: Building a Boy-Friendly Classroom Culture
Objectives:
Develop an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Use behavior management techniques that work for boys.
Collaborate with parents and communities to support boys’ education.
Unit 6: Implementing Change & Advocacy
Objectives:
Identify school-wide policies that can improve boys’ success.
Advocate for professional development and teacher training.
Develop long-term strategies for continued success.
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