Why Are Boys Underperforming in School?

A recent study frFrustrated with school boyom the University of Luxembourg explores why boys may not be performing as well as girls in school. This research, reported in ScienceDaily, not only provides insight into why boys are not performing as well in school, but also helps to create solutions to this issue.

Check out the article here!

How can you transcend this research to your own student? Here’s what we think!

Teaching Approach Matters

Research showed that boys respond better to authoritative, not authoritarian, teachers. In other words, boys respond well to a teacher who is flexible and warm, but had expectations of them – not an “it’s my way or the highway” type.

This may explain why some students are more teacher specific. For instance, we hear many parents say, “my son has a good grade in history because he likes his teacher,” but perhaps it is because of that teacher’s authoritative approach. First and foremost, find out which approach is best for your student!

Finding the Right Match

It is also important to find a good match for your student. Although parents do not have a choice over the teacher your child gets in middle and high school, they do have a level of input in elementary school. While you may not be able to choose a specific teacher by name, you can speak to or write a letter to your child’s administration indicating qualities of an authoritative teacher.

For instance, you can request a teacher who is firm, but also responsive and adaptable. Schools are not required to choose that teacher for your child, but they can take into account the styles that work best for your student.

We see that the same phenomenon is true when selecting a tutor, as well. When thinking about private education, the match is incredibly important. Choose a tutor who will be beneficial to your student. This can transcend to coaches, too!

Open Communication is Important

Understanding your child’s preferred teaching approach and finding the right match for your student are just two ways to help resolve this obstacle. For parents with students who disengage with academics, speak to them about how they can do better in school, and who they will respond better to. This not only gets to the root of the issue, but teaches problem solving, as well. Open communication with your student can clarify what he is struggling with, and can help resolve the underlying concerns.

Ultimately, your student’s success can improve when you communicate the difficulty and take into account helpful teaching styles. If we can help you find the right match for your student, contact us!

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