A Gendered Classroom

The topic of gender has been continuously brought up recently, but I would like to take a look at it from the educational perspective: in other words, from around the Harkness Table. We all know of the various characters surrounding these discussions, such as Harkness Warriors, introverts and extroverts. We define them by how much they speak and how forward they are in trying to speak. When looking at gender, however, can a certain trend be seen?From observing the dynamics in class, it can be told that for at least some of the time, males who speak more and tend to dominate the conversations. They prove how strong their opinions are then “respectfully” disagree with anyone whose thoughts differ. Of course females get their views in too, but they are less likely to talk more. Do the numbers relate to each other in any way? Do they relate to how laid-back or advancing a person may be? Bella Thilmany ‘17 says, “Girls tend to interrupt people more, and they jump in more often, although the guys speak a higher number of times.”But how can we tell if girls are indeed more aggressive? It’s not as if we shriek and start catfights with those who defy us—or do we? Around a Harkness table where everyone must contribute, it is often difficult to feel “heard.” Discussions get heated, but no one, not even Harkness Warriors, can go on for 30 minutes debating what they think is right. It is at this point where a majority of males finally back down, and girls can get a little eager to jump in and get a chance to talk.But who can blame us? Females, too, need to enter the fierce forest and make sure they don’t get eaten. This surely doesn’t mean we should go around interrupting others as they speak, but take into account the males as well. Would girls be forced to act more powerfully if the boys took a step back and a look around to see if anyone else had something they wanted to say?Maybe the problem lies in body gestures and learning to let people speak when they want to. How many times have you tried to say something only to have your comment nabbed by someone who talks faster? How many times has the next comment been a race between who is faster? And who are the winners of these races? Perhaps the people who talk most?No specific reason may be given for why the winners are usually males, but it is another account to take into view. Therefore, in order to win such races, the girls must attack a bit more intrusively, and with just a bit more belligerence.The next time you are in class and a heated discussion is going on, take notice of who speaks and who tries to speak. Look around and see if any cat-fights break out, or at least if anyone is leaning forward, hanging onto the person’s last word so they blurt out what they think. How many times do people talk at the same time? Who usually retreats? Are girls really that aggressive? 