Essay

 Worked by Sada

Prepare a written reflection (500–700 words) illustrating 3–5 real-life examples that show how gender and language interact in educational contexts.

   When I first started this course I didnt really give a thought to how language had such dimension.Now I am starting to learn that language has its ways of interpreting and receiving.Messages about gender are communicated not through what teachers say but how they say it and how students are encouraged to use language themselves not only in class but in other environments too.Both real experiences and media examples are in use of understanding how teachers feedback,classroom talk or even online representations of teaching play a part in shaping how gender is portrayed in education.

    The first example I can think of are my highschool years related to classroom talk where boys were much more tolerated than girls.Teachers and principals didnt really mind them coming late to class,being noisy,a distraction to others etc.I remember it wasnt that big of a deal when a boy had bad grades whereas a girl was criticized more.Bathroom allowance was a big deal in my highschool.Girls would often get shouted at for being in bathrooms especially during the lesson because they were presumably putting on make up and gossiping.On the other hand boys were also somehow allowed to leave the lesson and fool around.This type of example refers to the “hidden curriculum “,where teachers often,even instinctively devide genders.

    The second example is about one specific female teacher,who would have a close “relationship “ with a male student.This is related to teachers feedback and I will explain why it had an impact to the other students too.Even though this boy was completely passive and uninterested in the subject this teacher often approached him with politeness,care and respect.She would often have a conversation with him in the middle of the class,leaving us and the lesson behind.I remember she even expressed interest in his wellbeing whereas for the other students, nothing of this sort.The boy received no type of criticism for his behavior and everything else was expected from us.

   The third and last example is about the portrait of the teacher figure mirrored in media.On Tik Tok,a well known and used social platform consisting of short videos,the portraits of a male and female teacher differ from one another.I have noticed that female teachers when presenting themselves or being imitated often appear as calm,warm,mainly stylish giving a special attention to the outfit,make up and hairstyles.On the other hand male teachers are shown as laid back,cool and funny.We define gender through repeated actions,language and this is an example of gender expectations.

   In conclusion reflecting in these examples has made me more aware of how language can be used to shape how gender is experienced in schools.Whether its who gets to speak,who is valued more or how teacher portraits are seen online language is a key factor.I hope that in the future language is used for a better communication between people.Where everyone feels seen,respected,valued and free.