We’re told males in academics are in crisis, from grade school disengagement to less collegiate matriculation. What do our young men embedded in the experience think is needed in male education?
________
According to Leonard Sax, Ph.D., psychologist and author of Boys Adrift, believes American boys and young men face a crisis in education. He argues that, among other factors, boys enter the educational system cognitively behind, experience more informational learning and less experiential learning, and don’t have the team-oriented competitive opportunities with academics that will keep many boys motivated.
Michael Kimmel, sociologist at Stonybrook University and author of multiple novels about male culture believes it is less about the American school system affecting boys and more about male beliefs about intelligence and learning–namely that popular culture’s version of manhood tells young men that caring about school is not a masculine trait.
The Boys Initiative, a non-profit founded in 2008 and consisting of researchers, community members, and those interested in male issues is very direct:
Our male youth are in trouble.
Their school dropout rates are climbing. Their college completion rates are falling. As a group they are failing to adjust to a rapidly changing economy.
◊♦◊
So what’s a boy to do?
The Good Men Project wants to hear from those directly impacted by today’s educational system–the students themselves. Tell us about your educational experience. What needs to change to in male education? Or, not assuming anything, does American male education even need to change?
Have you experienced education in another country that produced incredible results regarding engagement, achievement, and enjoyment?
Of what do we need more? Of what do we need less?
What is the future of male education?
Send your article ideas, rough drafts, or pristinely edited contributions to Guyhood editor Scott Heydt at [email protected].
______
Image credit: Temari 09/flickr
Why is it that GMP has to quote someone like Michael Kimmel when asking for submissions. Is it the ruler by which we are supposed to measure our responses.