Rigissa Megalokonomou: Teacher gender bias is real and impacts students’ marks

·

Research conducted by Rigissa Megalokonomou from the University of Queensland and Professor Victor Lavy from the University of Warwick, has shown how gender bias has long-term impacts on students’ performance and their post-school study choices.

In a piece for The Conversation, Megalokonomou explained how their research was looking at the question: “if you have a pro-boy maths teacher, how does it affect students’ performance in the subject a year later and their likelihood of enrolling in a maths degree two years later?”

To answer this question, the researchers used administrative data from Greece that matched students, teachers and classrooms. The study sample included more than 400 teachers from 21 high schools over eight years. The data recorded the progress of students from grade 10 through to grade 12, and was linked with university admission.

In the end, it became clear that male students who had a pro-boy maths teacher in grade 11 did better in maths in grade 12. The opposite happened to female students in their maths class – they did significantly worse the next year.

For female students, teacher biases also had a significant effect on the chosen field of study at university.

Female students who had pro-boy teachers in maths or physics in grade 11 were less likely to enrol in university maths or physics courses two years later. Teacher gender biases seem to have little effect on male students’ degree choices.

According to Ms Megalokonomou, this research shows that from a policy perspective, training that improves teacher quality will also likely reduce gender discrimination in schools.

Source: The Conversation.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Historic ties remembered as Greece’s Evzones march in Adelaide’s ANZAC Day parade

During a Dawn Service at West Torrens on Friday, April 25, the Evzones stood guard alongside Australian army battalion in remembrance.

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

You May Also Like

Court ruling clears path for Cyprus Community of NSW to exit receivership

The Supreme Court of New South Wales has handed down significant rulings in the financial battle over the Cyprus Community of NSW.

Join the GCM for an exciting dinosaur adventure these school holidays

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) is inviting all young adventurers to embark on a thrilling time-travel journey with dinosaurs.

DJ Krazy Kon breaks records as new album reaches No. 1 on iTunes dance charts

Brighton entertainer DJ Krazy Kon has made his way onto the top charts this week following the release of new album "Greek Mix Volume 24: Classics Edition".