Gender and Assessment in Mathematics
by Jeff Mahood and Jody Richards
"When women are depressed, they eat or go shopping. Men invade another country.
It's a whole different way of thinking."
Elayne Boolser
Abstract
Gender has long been one of the major dividing line of the human race. This paper focuses on gender differences and their impact on the mathematics classroom.
The paper discusses two main gender differences. First, the differences in male and female cognition are discussed and analyzed. Second, the differences in male and female achievement are highlighted.
In light of these discussions, some suggestions for making changes in the classroom are given.
A Note on Language
Throughout the paper, the words "children" and "students" are used interchangeably, as are "boy" and "girl" with "male" and "female". We recognize that these words do signify different things, but for the purposes of this paper they should be seen as synonyms.
Introduction
Cognitive Differences and Reasons For Them
Achievement Differences and Reasons For Them
Suggestions for Classroom Change
Survey Results
Conclusion
Key Points of the Paper
Bibliography
MathLadies Page
©2000, Jeff Mahood & Jody Richards
Last Updated March 26, 2000
http://www.oocities.org/mathladies/gender.html