Gender gap widens

The gender gap in terms of educational achievement has widened in Ireland and is wider than in other Western countries, Dr Mark Morgan told a recent international conference at Dublin City University. "It is unlikely that the relatively greater differences are due simply to the majority of teachers being female since this is found in other countries". Instead the answer needs to be sought in some of the distinctive features of the Irish system. Apart from the relatively high number of single sex schools, a second unusual feature of the Irish system was the different experiences of the curriculum in schools catering for boys and girls.

Dr Morgan, Head of Education at St Patrick's College, was speaking at an international workshop on University reform held this weekend at Dublin City University. Participants included researchers and policy makers interested or involved with different dimensions of change and reform in higher education. The Dublin workshop particularly focussed on developments and policies, both governmental and institutional that aim at (1) widening access to degree studies and innovating curricula, (2) improving teaching and learning conditions for students to acquire relevant knowledge and skills and complete their studies, and (3) evaluating teaching methods, management and outcomes.

A fuller report of Dr Morgan's address may be found in the Irish Independent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Monday September 03 2007