This inter-organizational research and development process, initiated and led by the Institute for Gender Equity in Education, defined a set of criteria for gender equity in classroom discourse, developed practical tools for mapping gender bias, and tested effective pedagogical tools to promote gender equity in discourse. This process took place between 2022-2023, in partnership with the Ministry of Education’s Gender Equality Unit, and the Center for the Study of Pedagogy Research-Practice Partnerships at Ben-Gurion University.
Classroom discourse plays an important role in the learning experience and multiple studies have revealed it is heavily influenced by gender bias – in other words, there are significant differences between boys and girls when it comes to the scope of their classroom participation, seeking permission to speak, and the quality of said participation. For example, girls participate in classroom discussion less than boys, more questions asking students to clarify or explain something are directed at boys, and boys tend to speak for longer. Furthermore, boys participate less than girls in discussions about emotions and are offered fewer opportunities to develop emotional discourse skills.
Since these biases usually go unnoticed, they remain prevalent and continue to contribute to gender gaps. To change this, it is essential to examine classroom discourse from a gender perspective to identify biases and encourage widespread participation in classrooms through practical tools. Educators equipped to identify gender biases in classroom discourse and implement pedagogical tools to reduce them will be able to actively reduce gender gaps and create equality of opportunities for all students, regardless of their gender.
Vision
Creating a classroom educational space that promotes gender equity for male and female students through the broad and diverse implementation of research-based pedagogical practices
Classroom Discourse Program
Gender Equity for Male and Female Students will operate in the years 2024-2027 in partnership with the Gender Equality Unit at the Ministry of Education and the School of Education at the Hebrew University, and with the support of leading philanthropic foundations. As part of the program, new tools will be developed in partnership with women and educators, and national, regional, and municipal models for disseminating knowledge.
Program Advisor: Prof. Carol Gilligan, New York University.
Our ongoing efforts to make the voices of girls and women heard are dedicated to the memory of Sergeant Yael Leibshor, an observer who fell in the line of duty at the Nahal Oz outpost on October 7, 2023.