Boys and girls differ considerably when it comes to learning in the classroom, it has been suggested.

Alison Terry, a consultant at charity pfeg, said female students learn much more collaboratively and take more naturally to group work.

She noted that in order to motivate boys there usually has to be some form of competition involved.

"A good teacher though will incorporate all those elements into a lesson and will make sure that they've got the variety in terms of that kind of aspect and also about different learning styles," Ms Terry explained.

The Irish Independent reported last year that female students outperformed male pupils in the majority of Leaving and Junior Cert subjects.

Boys produced fewer top grades, except in areas such as maths, material technology and metalwork.

The publication noted that 13 per cent of girls achieved an A in English at higher level in the Junior Cert, compared to eight per cent of boys.

Posted by Donal Walsh

Comments