|
|
Peer pressure and masculine stereotypes affect boys' education
Boys are often blamed for disruptive behaviour or having a bad attitude.
Some have low self-esteem, difficulty communicating with others and display
problems at school. Some boys are experiencing learning difficulties and
the literacy gap between boys and girls is increasing. So, what is the
problem facing boys and what can be done to help?
At this Thursday's public hearing with Dr David Plummer the House
of Representatives Education Committee will discuss the influence of
peer pressure, masculine stereotypes and homophobia on boys education
and boys attitudes to learning.
- Public Hearing: House of Representatives Education Committee
The education of boys Inquiry
Dr David Plummer
- Where: Committee Room 1R3, Parliament House
- When: Thursday 8 March, 9 am - 9.45 am
The House Education Committee is currently undertaking an inquiry into
the education of boys focussing on the social, cultural and educational
factors affecting boys.
Mr Rod Sawford, Deputy Committee Chair, said although the most significant
determinant of boys' success is the quality of the educational program,
understanding the social influences operating on boys may hold the key
to some answers to turning around the "cool to be a fool" subculture
among some boys in schools.
"The influences that shape boys' attitudes to school and learning
are complex and interrelated," Mr Sawford said. "Peer culture often
operates in areas away from adult scrutiny. In its most negative forms,
peer culture can influence boys' subject choice and application to learning
in ways that limit boys' opportunities to realise their full potential.
Understanding these influences on the socialisation of boys will help
us to turn around the negative attitudes some boys have to learning
and to the development of communication and interpersonal skills which
are now socially and economically more important than ever before."
For more details on the public hearing, as well as background information
on the inquiry, visit: www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/eewr
For media comment contact Mr Rod Sawford MP, Deputy Chair of
the House Education Committee, on 0418 847 148 or 08 8447 7466
For background information contact the Committee Secretariat on (02)
6277 4573.
|
|
