Evolving from experiences in a graduate seminar that led to new understandings of feminist pedagogy, this theory of feminist pedagogy in action rests on four phenomena that are each necessary but none sufficient. After describing the creation of a learning community as well as a search of educative research, a delineation of the four phenomena is…

Pupil decision making, achievement, and sex role flexibility were examined in a study of middle school students. The year-long experiment measured the effects of curricular intervention on these personality traits. Results are discussed. (Author/DF)

A study of two elementary basal reading series found that, although the proportion of female main characters has increased, it was still less than that of males. Also, fewer men than women were depicted in nontraditional roles. (FG)

Notes that boys continue to be portrayed in reading materials in activities stereotypically associated with males, such as sports, adventure, and leadership; suggests that reading materials are needed that show boys in nurturing and expressive roles as well. (MKM)

Describes how the traditional, agressive male role has been reinforced by social studies textbooks. The author recommends that teachers teach about new roles for males by presenting images of males in caring, nurturing, and expressive roles. (AM)

Main characters were portrayed in nontraditional roles in stories presented to 4th, 7th, and 11th grade students. A total of 172 students read a set of four stories, each of which had two versions, one with a male main character and one with a female main character. Thus, the same stories were used to depict traditional and nontraditional sex…

Recent reviews indicate that most instructional materials are still sexist. This paper includes definitions of sexist and sex-equitable which incorporate both language form and gender content. It presents generalizations synthesized from the experimental research regarding the effects of gender characteristics of instructional materials on…

Social studies education must provide social participation in a democratic community. Myths about cross-sex communication are examined, research findings on children's peer interactions are discussed, and strategies that social studies teachers can implement to increase cross-sex interaction in the classroom are suggested. (RM)

This paper presents the results of an evaluation study of a sex equity program designed to affect the achievement and attitudes of early adolescent students in the middle school. The Self-Concept and Decision-Making Middle School Curriculum Program at Florida State University developed sex equity curricular materials titled "Decisions About…

This study assessed the effects of portraying a female main character in a traditionally male role on male and female children's sex role perceptions and story evaluations. Exposure to nontraditional female characters increased children's perceptions of the number of girls who could engage in activities presented in the stories only. (Author/RD)

This study was conducted to address gaps in the research on gender characteristics of reading materials. Pupils in grades 4, 7, and 11 read four narratives, one for each of four sex role conditions. Neither comprehension nor interest was diminished by the use of sex-fair materials. (Author/LMO)

Because of widespread acceptance of Kohlberg's theory of moral development other aspects of moral thinking and behavior linked with the feminine voice have not received attention. Four areas of Kohlberg's theory relevant to the gender issue are critiqued, and work by Carol Gilligan, suggesting alternative theories for thinking and behavior, is…

The paper examines the self-concepts of males and females in relation to academic achievement and describes a current educational intervention project at the junior high school level. A major portion of the paper reviews literature on sex differences for the variables of sex-role and achievement orientation. The literature reveals significant…

Describes a project funded by the Women's Educational Equity Act designed to expand students' male or female self-concept, teach decision-making skills, and increase achievement. Presents two lessons from the project. (CK)

The results of synthesizing 40 studies regarding the effects of gender characteristics of instructional materials on students indicate that sex-equitable materials can improve both male and female students' learning experiences and assist in developing gender-balanced associations and more flexible sex role attitudes. Effects on preference and…