Generally, the levels of participation and achievement of females in science do not match those of male learners. This report describes the formation and study of an all-female section of calculus-based physics for the purpose of providing an environment that might enhance the participation and achievement of females in the physical sciences so…

Considered are advantages of summer science programs limited to young high school women. Same sex courses are seen to eliminate unconscious gender bias in instruction and counter tendencies for female students to be less involved in science, mathematics, and computer activities. Four specific programs are briefly described. (DB)

Describes a study that examined gender differences and the process of Internet-assisted inquiry in a single-sex, technology-enhanced environment. Results indicate that female students in a single-sex environment display similar behaviors as male students do when engaging in technology-enhanced activities. Discusses student attitudes and…

Evaluates a program of single-sex mathematics classes at one coeducational high school three years apart by focusing on parents' perceptions. Concludes that in both years more parents supported the program than were opposed to it and support appeared to have waned over the three-year period. Contains 38 references. (Author/ASK)

Middle school students who participated in both single-sex and coeducational physical education (PE) classes completed questionnaires eliciting their opinions on perceived abilities, affinity toward PE, and preferences for coeducational and same-sex classes. Most students liked PE, preferred same-sex classes, and rated themselves highly on PE…

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…

Children ages 9-10 (n=30) were given social skills training and their scores on computer tasks were compared with 30 controls. Males scored highest on the pre and posttest. Females in mixed-sex groups scored better than females in girls-only groups. Girls who received social skills training had the highest rate of improvement. (SK)

Presque Isle (Maine) High School has offered a section of all-girls algebra for seven years. The intent was to narrow the gap between 11th-grade boys' and girls' math achievement scores and create a more comfortable learning atmosphere for girls. The achievement score gap has decreased from 72 to 16 points. (MLH)

Despite scoring lower on the mathematics Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT-M) prior to taking an advanced placement calculus course, female students (n=85) scored as well as males (n=51) on the Advanced Placement BC level calculus test. Predictors of AP scores were: first, scores on the Calculus Readiness Test; second, scores on the SAT-M; and…

Discusses the different learning styles of gifted middle-school males and females in single-sex algebra classes. Discusses the barriers faced by girls in mathematics courses and the benefits of providing girls with opportunities to think and problem solve in an environment less permeated with societal expectations of femininity. (CR)

Examines students' perceptions of learning settings in single-sex and mixed-sex mathematics classes and teachers' responses to those different classroom contexts. Concludes that single-sex classrooms provide a more supportive environment for girls but a significantly less supportive environment for boys. The single-sex environment provides…

First grade disadvantaged children were separated into classes by sex and taught by a teacher of the same sex. It was hypothesized that (1) single sex classes would score higher on reading and arithmetic tests and show a more positive attitude toward school, teacher, and peers than coeducational classes, and (2) the one all-girls class would score…

Much research identifies a gender gap in mathematics and some research points to single-gender mathematics classrooms as a solution to the mathematics gender divide. A 7-week study was conducted in which 5th grade students (N=50) were organized into two mathematics classes. The goal was to examine whether single-gender mathematics classes had an…

Details a study in which grade 9 females were assigned to either an all-female or mixed-sex algebra class. Findings indicate that the all-female intervention group demonstrated a greater gain in math scores between grades 8-11 than the nonintervention group. Contains 41 references. (DDR)

Results of an experiment offering single-sex and mixed-sex physics classes in a private secondary school indicated that girls in single-sex classes participated more frequently; students overall experienced greater learner satisfaction; and single-sex classes had a statistically significant, positive influence on girls' interest in physics-related…