[neilep (OP)]

Hi,

I am wondering if there have ever been any studies done on the effect of being in a single sex school may have on ones ability to interact with the opposite sex.

I've always thought mixed schools were great for developing social skills, but academically I think single sex schools achieve better results. Can anyone enlighten me on this.

Your socially skillful comments/theories etc will be warmly received.

<font color="blue">'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'</font id="blue">

[tweener]

I've heard that single sex education actually gives the students a better level of social skills, but I don't remember where I heard it, so don't give it any weight at all.

I went to a typical small-town mixed-up school and landed in the world with zero for social skills.  I give weight to that data point, but it only one data point.

----
John - The Eternal Pessimist.

[neilep (OP)]

Thanks for you input John....I note your remarks. I must admit my gut reaction is the opposite to what you have heard though. I can't see how (until it's explained to me) how going to a single sex school imbibes one with better social skills to interact with the opposite sex........and Hey !!..don't put yourself down like that....I for one think you interact with ease and acomplishment..........(time for a group hug)

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[Exodus]

quote:Originally posted by neilep

Hi,

I am wondering if there have ever been any studies done on the effect of being in a single sex school may have on ones ability to interact with the opposite sex.

I've always thought mixed schools were great for developing social skills, but academically I think single sex schools achieve better results. Can anyone enlighten me on this.

Your socially skillful comments/theories etc will be warmly received.

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

Well i feel i am able to answer this... I went to a single sex school (thats an all boys school may i add []) I would probably agree that a single sex school does aid in getting better results, i think boys will be less inclined to show off! On the other hand however, i don't think it does much to your interaction skills really, for those that know me, i'm pretty outgoing (I'm sure claire can agree with that). Many of my friends were also fairly confident.

I don't think single sex boarding schools are as sensible however, although i was at a single sex school during the day, i was able to socialise in the evenings. We also had girls join our two years of sixth form.

[DrN]

The impression i had of boys from single sex schools when i was younger was that they treated girls like alien species. They definatley acted differently around girls than around other boys. boys from mixed schools (where i went) didn't treat us any different.
could be good though, maybe lads from all boys schools give more flowers and chocolates and do more housework???

[Quantumcat]

I went to a girls' school before I came here. Since there were boys in this school, I kind of just avoided them because I had no idea how to act around them.

I do think school results are better in single sex schools. Boys tend to disrupt and make noise and it's so much easier to concentrate! I heard too (can't remember where) that girls generally get better results than boys in high school, that boys get better results in uni than girls (I guess because they've calmed down by that stage) but that boys drop out of uni more often before they've finished than girls.

Am I dead? Am I alive? I'm both!

[neilep (OP)]

Thanks everybody for the incite into your single sex school experiences....you've virtually corroborated what my initial thoughts were and still are. It would still be good to get other peoples experiences and I wonder if such a study exists.

For the record, I went to a mixed school (though I would have loved to be the only male in a school of girlies !!!)and I certainly found the benefits of mixing with girlies outweighed the academic factor. I say that as a very personal statement with regard to my personal circumstances, because in my case, with my sleep pattern, I don't see how a single sex school would have helped me academically.

The reason why I posed the question in the first place is out of my concern for my 10 year old son who will be starting secondary school next year. He's not the top of his class (just below average in fact) and he does struggle and although there's plenty of time for things to 'fall into place'  i want to make sure he's a happy boy (he's very sensitive) and I believe a mixed school will be best for him...supplemented with extra lessons via a tutor.....I believe he would be taxed too hard in a single sex school....but...you never know....things can change eh ?

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[bezoar]

I think it all depends on how girl crazy your son is.  If he's got women on his mind, and that's why he's below average, then I'd say go for the single sex school-- and the tutor.

[neilep (OP)]

quote:Originally posted by bezoar

I think it all depends on how girl crazy your son is.  If he's got women on his mind, and that's why he's below average, then I'd say go for the single sex school-- and the tutor.

....hmm are you implying that he's inherited daddys love of girlies ?....well, he does have a crush on one girl at school but it's just sweet innocence....to be honest Nancey, unfortunately that's not the case....he just finds education taxing at the moment....I do hope he improves....I bought him a computer with some educational software...I desperately want him to have the best start he can, but I have to be careful to not pressure him too much.

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[DrN]

i think the key is to find out what interests him then try to build the learning bit into it, e.g. model planes could get him into aerodynamics and maybe eventually physics!! no kid will ever want to learn about things they find boring. i got on fine at school, but got atrocious marks for plant science and electronics. just didn't care about them.
I think you're right about not pressuring him. that would make learning seem even more academic and boring, and probably make things worse! our school used to mix learning with things we actually wanted to do, so a trip to the Science museum was followed by being let loose in Covent garden, then on to see 'Cats', and we all still remember that trip 10 years on. Hope he does well in his new school!

[Exodus]

quote:Originally posted by neilep

Thanks everybody for the incite into your single sex school experiences....you've virtually corroborated what my initial thoughts were and still are. It would still be good to get other peoples experiences and I wonder if such a study exists.

For the record, I went to a mixed school (though I would have loved to be the only male in a school of girlies !!!)and I certainly found the benefits of mixing with girlies outweighed the academic factor. I say that as a very personal statement with regard to my personal circumstances, because in my case, with my sleep pattern, I don't see how a single sex school would have helped me academically.

The reason why I posed the question in the first place is out of my concern for my 10 year old son who will be starting secondary school next year. He's not the top of his class (just below average in fact) and he does struggle and although there's plenty of time for things to 'fall into place'  i want to make sure he's a happy boy (he's very sensitive) and I believe a mixed school will be best for him...supplemented with extra lessons via a tutor.....I believe he would be taxed too hard in a single sex school....but...you never know....things can change eh ?

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

If you need someone to give your son some help in certain subjects i am very willing neil. Although my strength lies with geography (of which i should be a teacher in a few years time) i can probably help with other things. Just letting you know that i'm available to help if he needs it.

[neilep (OP)]

Rich, you are too kind....I could not impose on you to such an extent, you would be going to far too much trouble. If you lived next door I would seriously consider it and would insist on paying you too of course, but, your offer is...............Oh OK, how about Monday to Fridays for three hours after school and then four hours Sat and Sun mornings ?[][]

No Seriously,....I really appreciate your generous offer and thank you soooo much for your kind consideration............

I'm not saying definitely no though.....perhaps when you get back we can talk about the logistics of it mate, it's just that the geography of the situation is not convenient for you is it ?.......lets chat when you get back to Blighty eh ?

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[bezoar]

Good teachers or tutors can make learning fun.  Maybe he just has boring teachers.

[neilep (OP)]

quote:Originally posted by bezoar

Good teachers or tutors can make learning fun.  Maybe he just has boring teachers.

Thanks Nancy, That could well be so true, Ive always believed education should be fun....It's just that I know he does struggle.....we do fun filled education things here at home too and I can see that he's trying, but finding it an effort....I suspect he's like me....not academic....but we encourage him and support him and I realise that he's still so young and things will hopefully change.....he has in fact improved in pace and so I do remain hopeful.

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

[Exodus]

quote:Originally posted by neilep

Rich, you are too kind....I could not impose on you to such an extent, you would be going to far too much trouble. If you lived next door I would seriously consider it and would insist on paying you too of course, but, your offer is...............Oh OK, how about Monday to Fridays for three hours after school and then four hours Sat and Sun mornings ?[][]

No Seriously,....I really appreciate your generous offer and thank you soooo much for your kind consideration............

I'm not saying definitely no though.....perhaps when you get back we can talk about the logistics of it mate, it's just that the geography of the situation is not convenient for you is it ?.......lets chat when you get back to Blighty eh ?

'Men are the same as women...just inside out !'

righto, no probs. Am back next week.

[bezoar]

Well his dad does OK for someone who's not an academic.  Maybe he's just like his dad.