Yeah, I thank you for those comments. I have heard these ideas many times from teachers such as yourself! It is always good to hear these things from people working right in the midst of the chaos.

Given the premise that boys leave things to the last minute, and I would agree with the premise the question still remains: Is this a maleness ‘genetic’ thing, or is it a learned behavior, perhaps reinforced by the dominant worldview we are all drinking every day?

By early teens, girls are forced into a monthly rhythm, while most boys — ok, I speak for myself primarily — would not even know what day of the week it is! (unless it is time to play Saturday footy )

The question remains then — is this a nature or a nurture thing, or if both, then how much leverage does each have in the larger equation.

I think too that girls tend to be driven by insecurity more that boys. My daughters are like this, whereas I think back to my childhood, and I really did not have time to worry because either cricket of soccer beckoned.

Personally I put it down the the feminisation of our curriculum. Over the years subjects and the style of teaching move and with more and more female teachers we have seen a change of focus. For girls this has worked and boys this has not.

Take our assessment styles now. More and more assessment is internal and rewards consistent work. In the old days it was an exam and boys tend to leave everythign to the last minute and cram to get work done. As a male I know you can get a lot done in the last minute!!!

I also believe in co ed schools girls tend to dominate leadership positions because they get things done. Because they get things done they get asked more and this sees boys shrink back from leadership.

There are Student Revision CDs containing exemplar essays, templates, interactive games and activities and also a Teacher Activity pack which is suitable for both those who attend school and those who are homeschooled. They will also be producing ready-made units of work and assessments in 2010 for all educators, so if you have a topic you would like to see made, please contact them on their website!

Please check out the resources at http://www.past-2-present.org and also follow the ‘Past2Present:History Resources’ facebook page, where you can post any History related questions and link with other History students!

Thanks!
Aimee