This case study examined the characteristics of classroom discourse during physics lessons in two single-sex high school classes--a boys' vs. a girls' class. All lessons were taught by the same teacher and covered the same topics. For each class, six lessons were recorded, transcribed, and coded and the characteristics of the discussion were…

While participating in single- and mixed-gender science and mathematics classes, ninth-grade urban high school students' (n = 118) academic self-concept, self-efficacy, and school climate perceptions were examined. Their perceptions were measured quantitatively from the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics (modified for Science) Attitude and the Patterns…

The primary purpose was to investigate the efficacy of a full year of single-sex (SS) teaching of science. The secondary aims were to locate any differentiation by set and gender, and to relate these to more proximal variables. Participants were 13 year olds. Higher set girls gave evidence of clear benefits overall, and higher set boys also,…

This study examined the teacher's role in creating a gender-sensitive environment in an all girls physics class and the effects of that environment on girls' achievement, self-concept, and career choices. Reflective journaling by the teacher-researcher was used to discover, analyze, and challenge appropriate teaching strategies and personal…

Little is known about the intrinsic characteristics that distinguish single- and mixed-sex classrooms at the secondary level. To address this gap in knowledge, 19 Grade 11 students who were in a mixed-sex Physics 10 (during Grade 10) and a single-sex Physics 20 (during Grade 11) class were asked to compare the two environments. Twenty-four Grade…

This study examined two hypotheses related to same-gender grouping of eighth grade science classes in a public middle school setting. The hypotheses were (a) male and female students enrolled in same-gender science classes demonstrate more positive science academic achievement than their peers enrolled in mixed-gender classes, and (b) same-gender…