Boys, literacy and their schooling - why boys aren't learning

Boys, literacy and their schooling – why boys aren’t learning

June 4, 2019

Over the last 20+ years, we have seen a decline in boys’ academic achievement and attitudes towards schooling. This has been particularly evident in the middle years of schooling from year 5 to year 10. This has led to a disconnection of boys in the education system – which is costing schools extra in teacher time and causing parents to worry. Boys are facing an upward struggle.

Unfortunately, the curriculum and assessment trends have not favoured boys either. Content and learning styles that are not boy-centric contributes to an underachievement of boys compared to girls.

Research Findings

Research suggests that part of the problem lies in the decline in boys’ literacy. Boys are struggling to obtain information from books, websites and print and the problem only worsens as boys reach Year 6 and beyond.

At school

For this reason, we need to examine how boys learn and look at curriculum content that suits boys. Boy-centric topics that appeal to them leads to engagement. If a learning task or environment is not appealing, boys often become turned off, frustrated and many lean towards negative behaviour.

Schools need to redefine literacy to help boost our boys’ reading achievements. Some examples include embracing more “male-centred” teaching methods, inviting male authors to the classroom and purchasing reading material that is geared toward boys. A boys’ reading club that involves older boys mentoring younger boys to see that reading is enjoyable can be powerful.

At home

Asking boys to read outside of school is often met with a “no”. As it is typically a female (mum, aunt, babysitter, nanny) who checks homework and reads with the child, we need to find ways that involve dads. The latest research from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) has opened the book on how children’s improvement in language is influenced by the involvement of their dad. A simple example could be that if the father is going shopping, he could ask his son to write up a list of things they need and how much money they might need to spend.

As parents and teachers we need to advocate for our sons through their school journey, especially with literacy. We need to focus on finding their spark, their flair, their interests – it is there. Please keep looking for it – our boys are worth it.