The Boy Question

Synopsis

Following on from the huge success of Boys Don't Try? this essential new book answers nine key questions about how teachers and schools can best tackle boys' academic underperformance. For decades schools have grappled with the most significant barriers to male academic success: a lack of motivation to succeed, poor attitudes to learning, lower literacy levels and a reluctance to read for pleasure or write at length. In this compelling book, Mark Roberts provides clear answers about how teachers can tackle 'The Boy Question'.

Each chapter answers a frequently asked question about how best to teach boys, outlining the issue and demonstrating what can be done about it. Informed by a wealth of research and the author's personal experience of successfully teaching boys, this book offers an abundance of practical advice for the busy classroom teacher. It will shine a light on what makes boys tick and how we can design effective curriculums to ensure they can best acquire powerful knowledge.

With practical advice and examples to help address anti-social attitudes and stem the cycle of boys' underachievement, this is essential reading for all teachers and school leaders.

About the Publisher

Routledge

Routledge is the world's leading academic publisher in the Humanities and Social Sciences. We publish thousands of books and journals each year, serving scholars, instructors, and professional communities worldwide. Our current publishing programme encompasses groundbreaking textbooks and premier, peer-reviewed research in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Built Environment. We have partnered with many of the most influential societies and academic bodies to publish their journals and book series. Readers can access tens of thousands of print and e-books from our extensive catalogue of titles. Routledge is a member of Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business.

Summary

Chapter 1: Boys and Girls: The Battle of the Sexes

* Summary: Argues that traditional gender stereotypes still dominate our society, creating a "battle of the sexes" where boys and girls are pitted against each other.
* Example: A study showing that boys in kindergarten are more likely to be punished than girls for the same behaviors, reinforcing the stereotype that boys are naturally more aggressive.

Chapter 2: The Boy Crisis: A Matter of Life and Death

* Summary: Examines the alarming statistics on boy suicides and academic underachievement, suggesting that boys are facing a crisis.
* Example: The fact that boys account for over 80% of youth suicides and are more likely to drop out of high school than girls.

Chapter 3: Why Are Boys Falling Behind?

* Summary: Explores the factors contributing to boys' academic struggles, including the lack of male role models in schools, the disconnect between boyish nature and classroom expectations, and the rise of technology.
* Example: A study showing that boys with absentee fathers are more likely to have behavioral problems in school.

Chapter 4: The New Boyhood: Redefining Masculinity

* Summary: Calls for a redefinition of masculinity that embraces boys' unique strengths and encourages healthy emotional expression.
* Example: The "My Brother's Keeper" initiative, which aims to support positive outcomes for boys and young men of color.

Chapter 5: The Importance of Play for Boys

* Summary: Emphasizes the crucial role of play in boys' development, providing opportunities for physical activity, creativity, and social interaction.
* Example: A study showing that boys who participate in organized sports have higher levels of physical fitness and self-esteem.

Chapter 6: The Boy Code: Unwritten Rules of Masculinity

* Summary: Discusses the unwritten rules that shape boys' behavior, such as the suppression of emotions, the pursuit of dominance, and the avoidance of weakness.
* Example: The "man up" culture, which encourages boys to hide their feelings and conform to traditional gender norms.

Chapter 7: Raising Healthy Boys: A Guide for Parents

* Summary: Provides practical advice for parents on how to foster healthy development in boys, including creating a positive home environment, setting clear boundaries, and encouraging open communication.
* Example: A parent-teacher conference where a teacher discusses with parents how to address a boy's disruptive behavior in class.

Chapter 8: The Future of Boyhood: Hope for a Better Tomorrow

* Summary: Outlines a vision for a future where boys are valued and supported, and gender stereotypes are challenged.
* Example: The growing movement of schools and organizations that are implementing gender-responsive practices to improve outcomes for boys.