Are Males Smarter Than Females?

For many centuries the knowledge or lack thereof between males and females has been a great debate. Research has shown that 12^th grade girls score significantly lower than boys on their SATs and Advanced Placement exams in Mathematics. While females score higher on language, reading, and writing assessment exams.

This is most likely due to cultural differences and expectations rather than gender. Males and females have traditionally been treated differently from the moment they are born, and possibly even while they still in the mothers womb. Girls receive a pink blanket, and are often held more and longer. They are treated with gentleness, while as boys are allowed to cry longer, play with trucks, and are prone to more injuries.

While we love our children equally and don't intentd to play favor ties, psychologically we are telling our children what is expected of them in the world. For girls to be quiet and reserved, and boys to be strong and tough.

Unfortunately, because this is not only the norm, but often times psychologically embed in each one of us, this continuous even in school classrooms. Research has also shown that females will do significantly better in school when their teachers are also female, and males do better when their instructors are male as well. Looking at all girl schools, catered to girls, and taught by woman; studies show that females focus more on their academics, work better together, and have less distractions compared to co-ed schools and classrooms. Often times even if a female is highly intelligent she will play this down in front of her male peers.

Looking at the inside of the male and female brain we wont find much difference. While the male brain is not as compressed at the female brain it is physically larger, but all its functions work the same way. Each of us does have his or her individual, natural learning styles and multiple intelligences that we are born with. This does not reflect in the physical appearance of the brain, rather in what part of the brain is more developed and used more often. This is natural to both male and female brain, but can also be taught just as well.

In order to prevent and encourage gender neutral learning, educators and parents should intentionally do what they can to not make a difference between male and female academic expectations. If students male and female work together, especially siblings, they can learn a lot from one another and about the other psychologically.

Resources Cited:

Education Psychology Theory And Practice 7^th Edition, by Robert E. Slavin

Chapter 4 pages 121-124.