User:The Koromo/yag

Single sex education is a bad idea. There is some debate over whether or not it should become more widespread, but it presents some notable issues. While both sides of the debate present significant points, the cons overshadow the pros.

Perhaps the most notable concern is the idea that different teaching techniques work differently for either sex. Each side argues this point for the opposite reason. Very few teachers are trained to adapt to sex-specific techniques, as they are usually trained in working with students of both genders. Supporters make the claim that well-experienced teachers usually know about the psychological differences between most girls and boys. Also argued is that students in single-sex schools are more capable of avoiding social distractions.

In paragraphs one and two of “What critics say about single-sex education”, the author says that while the above is true, gender differences don’t always go the same way that they stereotypically do, as she then goes on to state that both boys and girls can have personality traits generally considered their opposite. For this reason, preferred teaching methods of specific sexes could become problematic. She states an example: a boy who is more sensitive, hides his emotions more often, and more quiet than his stereotype as a male would suggest could be bothered when a teacher is more assertive or aggressive, under the belief that that’s “what boys need to learn”. In regards to the “social distractions” argument, it is true that sexual and romantic distractions are common in co-ed schools, but even considering this, it is overshadowed by the fact that boys and girls will always need to interact with each other throughout their lives, which is especially important in the workplace. If boys and girls grow up interacting positively with each other, then it will increase their ability of interacting the same way when they become responsible adults. In addition to supporters' beliefs that single-sex education enhances students’ ability to learn, it can be refuted due to research coming to the conclusion that the entire class functions better with more girls in the class.

To conclude, single sex education only spells bad news, as many of the arguments in favor of it can be refuted. If a student wants it, then the option should be available, but co-ed is more beneficial on the whole.