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Updated Edition of Bestseller

Teaching the Male Brain

How Boys Think, Feel, and Learn in School

Second Edition
By: Abigail Norfleet James

Foreword by Bradley Adams

Updated to reflect the latest research in neuroscience and developmental psychology, this bestselling guide offers strategies for reaching all boys in both single-sex and co-ed classrooms.

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Product Details

Grade Level: PreK-12
ISBN: 9781483371405
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2015
Page Count: 352
Publication date: February 18, 2015

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Review copies may be requested by individuals planning to purchase 10 or more copies for a team or considering a book for adoption in a higher ed course. To request a review copy, contact sales@corwin.com.

Description

Unlock the potential of every boy!

No, you’re not imagining it: boys really do learn differently from girls. When you discover how to reach them, you can help them succeed beyond anyone’s expectations—even their own. Updated with the latest research in neuroscience and developmental psychology, this bestselling guide translates theory into tested and refined strategies that are practical and ready to be put to work immediately. Features include

A discussion of cognitive gender differences and how they relate to learning
An analysis of the benefits and challenges of single-sex classrooms
Tried and true techniques for differentiating learning in co-ed classroom
Cutting-edge strategies for reaching boys with ADHD, learning disabilities, social and emotional differences, and more
Detailed case studies and real-life dilemmas

The boys in your class are counting on you. Keep them in the game and lead them to success with this must-have resource.

“This book is a practical resource for the classroom teacher. It provides teachers with a plethora of engaging and promising practices and tools to motivate and encourage students to perform at or above their potentiality level.”
—Shelia Gorham, Principal
Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC

“Teaching the Male Brain, Second Edition is a holistic tool for educators, parents, and individuals committed to effectively understand, teach, support, and guide the development of young men in their care. Dr. James provides a clear lens into the intricate details of the thoughts and actions of the boys in our lives.”
—Nakia Douglas, Principal
Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, Dallas, TX

Key features

This handbook provides:

Classic, time-tested research combined with cutting-edge findings that the author has applied with success in her own classroom
A qualitative and quantitative research base
Useful examples, case studies, and dilemmas that teachers of boys may experience
Numerous differentiation strategies for the heterogenous classroom
Trouble-shooting sections
Strategies that have been tested, refined, and used successfully in the classroom

Author(s)

Abigail Norfleet James

Abigail Norfleet James taught for many years in single-sex schools and consults on the subject of gendered teaching to school systems, colleges, and universities. Her area of expertise is developmental and educational psychology as applied to the gendered classroom. Prior to obtaining her doctorate from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education, she taught general science, biology, and psychology in both boys’ and girls’ schools.

Her previous publications include reports of research comparing the educational attitudes of male graduates of coed schools and single-sex schools, research describing the effects of gendered basic skills instruction, and a report of academic achievement of students in single gender programs. In addition, she has written on differentiated instruction at the elementary school level. She has presented workshops and papers at many educational conferences and works with teachers and parent groups in interpreting the world of gendered education.

Her professional affiliations include the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the Coalition of Schools Educating Boys of Color, the Gender and Education Association, the International Boys’ Schools Coalition, and the National Association for Single-Sex Public Education (Advisory Board Member).

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Introduction

Substantiating Research

How the Book Is Structured

Learning Objectives

Part I. Sex and Gender Differences in the Classroom

Chapter 1. Brain Basics

Are Brains Gendered?

Anatomy of the Brain

Sex Differences in Brain Function

Cognitive Skills

Chapter 2. Sensory Differences

Vision

Hearing

Touch

Learning Modalities

Sensory Differences and Learning

Chapter 3. Physical Differences

Activity Levels

Gross Motor Development Versus Fine Motor Development

Targeting

Handedness and Dexterity

Growth Patterns

Physical Differences and Learning

Chapter 4. Cognitive Differences

Verbal and Language Skills

Practice the Skills Necessary for the SAT, ACT, NAEP, and Other Standardized Tests

Spatial Abilities

Learning Modalities

Strategy Development

Cognitive Differences and Learning

Part II. Societal and Biological Influences

Chapter 5. ADHD and Learning Disabilities

Attention—ADHD

Medication

The “At Risk” Student

Sleep

Attentional and Learning Problems

Chapter 6. Social and Emotional Differences

The Brain and Emotions

Emotional Vocabulary

Aggression and Bullying

Competition and Cooperation

Puberty

Alcohol and Drugs

Social Influence on School

School and Masculinity

Learning Applications

Emotions and Learning

Chapter 7. Students With Other Risks

Teachers

Culture

Adults

Boys in Foster Care

Boys With Cultural, Linguistic, or Socioeconomic Differences and School

Part III. Strategies and Resources for Teaching the Male Brain

Chapter 8. Classroom Management Strategies

Home Influence

Discipline

Self-Control

Technology

Classroom Management and Learning

Chapter 9. Content-Specific Suggestions

English/Language Arts

Mathematics

History/Social Studies

Science

Foreign Languages

Fine Arts, Music, and Drama

Computer Skills

Individual Disciplines and Learning

Chapter 10. Gendered Education: Teaching Boys and Girls Together

Boys and Girls as Learners

Sex and Gender Differences in the Classroom

Gendered Education and Learning

Chapter 11. Effective Teaching

Differentiated Instruction

Multiple Intelligences

Learning Modalities

Unit Design

Empowering Boys as Learners

Test-Taking Strategies

Final Words

Chapter 12. Resources and Other Helps

Books of Interest

Rubrics

Learning Style Assessments

Resources

Books for Boys Ages 6–9

Books for Boys Ages 9–13

Books for Boys Ages 13–18

Graphic Novels

References

Index

Reviews

“This book can be described as the definitive A-Z of teaching boys. Everything, from what makes boys tick to helping them fulfill their potential, is covered in this book. There is a good blend between cognitive theories and psychology, and I found it difficult to put the book down because it answers so many of the questions raised, on a daily basis, in boys’ schools by staff and parents. It was refreshing to finally find a book that not only explains the uniqueness of boys but provides the solutions that helps them succeed academically. The book clarifies in readable and understandable language many intuitive feelings that teachers have when teaching boys. Every teacher in a boys’ school, or a co-ed school for that matter, should have a copy because it is so refreshing to find a book that focuses on the importance of skills in teaching. It is a remarkable and delightful book which, having been crafted from the writer’s own experience, makes it hugely relevant.”

Theroshene Naidoo, Deputy Head
Northcote Lodge Prep School for Boys, London, UK

“Dr. James states that 'It is important to approach teaching from a gendered perspective, as not all students learn the same way and teaching them as if they did will not change that fact.' This is the perspective we ask our teachers to take at Allen Middle School in Greensboro, NC. We have several blended classes consisting of heterogeneous, all girls and all boys. Dr. James helped our teachers realize the uniqueness of each student. The strategies and concepts she shared during staff development helped us launch blended classes to best meet the needs of our students. Her book is a practical tool for the classroom teacher. It provides teachers with a plethora of practical, promising practices to motivate and encourage students to perform at or above their potentiality level.”

Shelia Gorham, Principal
Allen Middle School, Greensboro, NC

“Teaching the Male Brain, Second Edition by Dr. Abigail James is a holistic tool for educators, parents, and/or individuals committed to effectively understand, teach, support, and guide the development of young men in their care. Dr. James provides a clear lens into the intricate details of the thoughts and actions of the boys in our lives.”

Nakia Douglas, Principal
Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, Dallas, TX

Other Titles in: Student Engagement & Motivation | Gender Equity | Brain-Friendly Teaching & Learning

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