20th March 2015 9:00
By Blue Tutors
A new study has shown that teachers are often more lenient in their marking of girls’ schoolwork. The study suggested that teachers’ were influenced by the fact that girls were better behaved in class and more diligent in getting work done, making them easier to teach. The research, conducted by the OECD, showed that in cases where boys and girls had the same level of ability, girls were likely to receive higher marks. There are numerous studies addressing gender in education, particularly highlighting bias in the classroom determining ‘boys’ subjects’ and ‘girls’ subjects’. However, the interesting thing about this study is that it may help to explain a trend amongst some private tutors, namely some would rather teach girls than boys.
Of course many private tutors do not know whether they will be teaching a male or female student when they initially accept a job, particularly if they are contacted first by a tutoring agency. But amongst others who organise their own employment, some have a preference for teaching girls. It is not unusual at all for parents to want to employ a male or female tutor for numerous regions varying from religion to personal preference. But what is less talked-about, is that tutors sometimes have preferences too. Sometimes this is also for reasons of religion, in which case tutors can be very upfront about their requirements. But why do others simply prefer working with girls?
The answer is likely the same as that indicated by the OECD study. There is a widely held belief that girls are better behaved, and more diligent. Private tutors should not be perturbed by the prospect of a student who struggles academically – after all that is one of the main reasons they are hired. However, it can be off-putting for tutors to think that their students will not do the work they set, or will mess them around. If tutors harbour beliefs that male students are more likely to do this, they may be less inclined to want to teach them, or may be harder on them when assessing their work. The OECD study has highlighted how important it is for tutors to ensure that examine their own prejudices, and ensure that they never discriminate on the basis of gender.