Stereotype Effect of Gender Cognitive Skills - Essay Example

This paper seeks to explore the effect of this perception on gender performance, in education. Using educators’ experiences and studies, especially from regions where there are strong cultural beliefs on gender roles and perspectives, the study will evaluate whether girls are their enemies when they believe that men have better cognitive skills; whether boys perform better in sciences and dismally in other subjects perceived to be simpler and reserved for women. To achieve these objectives, the paper will consider academic sources such as books and journals as well as non-academic sources to gather qualitative data including people’s opinions attitudes, and beliefs.

Parker, L. H. Gender, Science, and Mathematics: Shortening the Shadow. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic, 1996. Print. Parker writes about the effect of gender stereotypes in teaching and learning mathematics. It is one area where gender myths abound and is very relevant to this position paper. The book's conclusions are important in providing causes and solutions to achieve the stated objectives.

Heid, M. K. Research on Technology and the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics. Charlotte, N.C.: Information Age Pub. 2008. Print. This research is related to Parker (1996). Furthermore, it adds a technological angle to its predecessor. A comparison of both findings will be informative and lead to a greater understanding.

Leikin, R. Learning Through Teaching Mathematics: Development of Teachers' Knowledge and Expertise in Practice. Dordrecht: Springer, 2010. Print. Leikin approaches the debate from an instructor’s viewpoint. Since teachers are affected by these stereotypes, a perusal will be necessary. The book can also provide insight into solutions to attitude blocks to learning.

Weiner, I. B. Handbook of Psychology. New York: Wiley, 2003. Print. Weiner explores the psychological aspects behind attitudes and how women are cultured to believe they are inferior. The book will be useful in understanding the workings of stereotypes in education. It can also suggest viable solutions for instructors and students alike.

Pahlke, E., J. S. Hyde, and C. M. Allison. "The Effects of Single-Sex Compared with Coeducational Schooling on Students’ Performance and Attitudes: A Meta-Analysis". American Psychological Association. 2014. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. The research focuses on the teaching of boys and girls separately or in different institutions. This segregation reinforces the idea of gender difference in cognition. Its conclusions will be indicative of the utility of such measures in pedagogy.

Phillips, M. L. "Single-sex Schooling Called into Question by Prominent Researchers". American Psychological Association. 2011. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. Phillips as backed by Pahlke et al (2013) reports on various findings of studies on the belief that educating the sexes separately ensures optimum usage of their faculties. This is a perception linked to gender stereotypes. The paper will be useful in gauging the effects of this in class.

"Prejudice: Causes and Cures." North Arizona University Faculty/Staff Web. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. As the topic suggests, an explanation of prejudice helps the paper draws meaningful conclusions. The causes stated in the article will be applied to this paper. The cures will be considered as part of the solution to attitude problems in learning.

"Think Again: Men and Women Share Cognitive Skills". American Psychological Association, 2014. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. This article illustrates the scientific position that gender is not a basis for academic performance. This is already a well-established fact. However, it will be useful in providing linkages to other studies about the attitudinal effect on gender performance.

Campbell, P. B. and J. N. Storo. "Girls Are... Boys Are...: Myths, Stereotypes & Gender Differences". Campbell-Kibler Associates. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. This brochure and related material is a concise review of myths that educators face in classrooms. It states their nature and how to deal with them. It might help in providing solutions to the belief problem.

Chiromo, A. S. "Effects of Sociocultural Beliefs on Science Education in Zimbabwe: Implications for Science Teaching” Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. 2004. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. Africa still retains a strong cultural system with very specific gender roles. Chiromo provides a preview of the workings of belief in education. The paper is instructive in that it will explore the actual effect of such gender roles in an environment in which they are prevalent.

Erturan, I. G., Arslan Y. and Demirhan G. "An Examination of Turkish High School Students' Attitudes toward Physical Education about Gender and Grade Level." Web. 6 Mar. 2015. Like Chiromo (2004), this paper will help in ascertaining the effect of a society’s gender beliefs on education. Turkey is similar to Africa in cultural intensity. Gender belief, together with religion, certainly ought to affect learning processes.

Ford, Allison. "5 False Myths about Gender Differences."  2011. Web. 6 Mar. 2015. This article’s statements about gender myths have attracted many reactionary comments. The comments present a good wealth of data on stereotyping. It will be handy in examining opinions stated therein and applying them to the study.