A manifesto and programme for teachers and parents on how the fundamental difference between boys and girls affects the way they learn. Using recent scientific research on male and female cerebral anatomy, brain development, and hormonal chemistry, it shows why classroom strategy must change, and makes specific suggestions for techniques and innovations which will provide equal educational opportunities, customised for gender difference.
A new school year is a lot like New Year′s Day; it offers the chance to wipe the slate clean and make a fresh start, the chance to move ahead in new and productive ways and the chance to work harder and do better than you did the year before. If you′ve made a new school year "resolution" to help your child succeed in school this fall, you′ll need to some homework. Here is a new book to put in your backpack before the first bell rings.
Michael Gurian′s Boys and Girls Learn Differently explains the biological factors behind male/female learning, what these differences consist of at various developmental stages and most importantly, how this information can be used to build a student′s self–esteem and facilitate learning. Gurian points out that there are no hard and fast "gender rules," but that brain–based research indicates certain tendencies. For eample, he writes, "Boys tend to be deductive in their conceptualizations?girls tend to favor inductive thinking." Gurian outlines what he calls the "ultimate" learning environment for both boys and girls from preschool through high school. He reminds us what it is like to be a sensitive nine–year–old to a turbulent teen and points out that by understanding what are children are going through at different stages in their lives, adults can more effectively help them achieve in school? (Linda Stankard, BookPage August 2001)
"Boys and Girls Learn Differently! offers valuable and much–needed tools to provide boys and girls with true equal educational opportunities. The new techniques Michael Gurian presents here will transform our classrooms and the way parents teach their children in very positive ways." (John Gray, author, Children Are from Heaven and Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus)
"From the beginning of time, parents and sensitive teachers have observed differences in the behavior, learning styles, and focused interests of girls and boys. Defying the political correctness that is today′s common wisdom, Gurian and the contributing authors draw on emerging neuroscientific data to justify these perceptions. While never allowing us to lose sight of the reality of individual differences, they suggest creative ways to modify the learning environment to encourage a broader spectrum of achievement in both gender groups." (Edward Zigler, Sterling Professor of Psychology, Yale University, and one of the original planners of the national Head Start program)
"Overflowing with challenging ideas and practical advice, Gurian′s research offers parents and teachers a true gift–the knowledge and support needed to create dynamic learning environments for both boys and girls." (Ann F. Caron, author of Mothers to Daughters and Strong Mothers, Strong Sons)
"The insights and innovations in Boys and Girls Learn Differently! have been applied in our classrooms with phenomenal success, leading to better academic performance and better behavior. I highly recommend this book to all parents, teachers, and school administrators." (Dan Colgan, superintendent of schools, St. Joseph, Missouri)
"...Do we need this American publication to help us find the way forward? Frankly and emphatically, yes..."(Educational Research, Summer 2002)
"...refreshing to read such an up–beat and positive book...highly recommended to teachers..." (Debate, December 2002)
"This book will be picked up by parents eager to learn more of what Gurian has to say." (
Publishers Weekly)
"...Do we need this American publication to help us find the way forward? Frankly and emphatically, yes..." (Educational Research, Summer 2002)
"...refreshing to read such an up–beat and positive book...highly recommended to teachers..." (Debate, December 2002)
