Teaching the Male Brain

Abigail Norfleet James taught for many years in single-sex schools and consults on the subject of gendered teaching to school systems, colleges, and universities. Her area of expertise is developmental and educational psychology as applied to the gendered classroom. Prior to obtaining her doctorate from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education, she taught general science, biology, and psychology in both boys’ and girls’ schools. Her previous publications include reports of research comparing the educational attitudes of male graduates of coed schools and single-sex schools, research describing the effects of gendered basic skills instruction, and a report of academic achievement of students in single gender programs. In addition, she has written on differentiated instruction at the elementary school level. She has presented workshops and papers at many educational conferences and works with teachers and parent groups in interpreting the world of gendered education. Her professional affiliations include the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, the Gender and Education Association, the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, and the National Association for Single-Sex Public Education (Advisory Board Member).

Foreword
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Introduction
Substantiating Research
How the Book Is Structured
Learning Objectives
Part I: Sex and Gender Differences in the Classroom
1. Brain Basics
Are Brains Gendered?
Anatomy of the Brain
Sex Differences in Brain Function
Cognitive Skills
2. Sensory Differences
Vision
Hearing
Touch
Learning Modalities
Sensory Systems and Learning
3. Physical Differences
Activity Levels
Gross Motor Development v. Fine Motor Development
Targeting
Handedness and Dexterity
Growth Patterns
Physical Differences and Learning
4. Cognitive Differences
Verbal and Language Skills
Practice the Skills Necessary for the SAT and Other Standardized Tests
Spatial Abilities
Learning Modalities
Strategy Development
Cognitive Differences and Learning
Part II: Societal and Biological Influences
5. ADHD and Learning Disabilities
Attention – ADHD
Medication
The “At-Risk” Student
Attentional and Learning Problems
6. Social and Emotional Differences
The Brain and Emotions
Emotional Vocabulary
Aggression and Bullying
Competition and Cooperation
Puberty
Alcohol and Drugs
Social Influence on School
School and Masculinity
Learning Applications
Emotions and Learning
7. Students With Other Risks
Teachers
Culture
Adults
Boys With Cultural, Linguistic, or Socioeconomic Differences and School
Part III: Strategies and Resources for Teaching the Male Brain
8. Classroom Management Strategies
Home Influence
Discipline
Technology
Classroom Management and Learning
9. Content-Specific Suggestions
English/Language Arts
Mathematics
History/Social Studies
Science
Foreign Languages
Fine Arts, Music, and Drama
Computer Skills
Individual Disciplines and Learning
10. Effective Teaching
Differentiated Instruction
Multiple Intelligences
Learning Modalities
Unit Design
Empowering Boys as Learners
Test-Taking Strategies
Final Words
11. Resources and Other Helps
Books of Interest
Rubrics
Learning style Assessments
Resources
References
Index