The landmark book Boys and Girls Learn Differently! outlines the brain-based educational theories and techniques that can be used to transform classrooms and help children learn better. Now The Boys and Girls Learn Differently Action Guide for Teachers presents experiential learning techniques that teachers can use to create an environment and enriched curriculum that take into account the needs of the developing child's brain and allows both boys and girls to gain maximum learning opportunities. This important and easy-to-use guide is based on the latest scientific scholarship on the differences between boy's and girl's brains, neurological development, hormonal effects, behavior, and learning needs and offers information on what all children need to be able to learn effectively. Michael Gurian and his colleagues applied these recent discoveries in the field during a two-year Gurian Institute pilot program in Missouri that led to measurably better academic performance and improved behavior.
Acknowledgments xv Introduction 1
Applying Brain-Based Research 1
Boys and Girls Learn Differently! 2
Using this Guide 2
The Contents of this Guide 3
1. Background: how the brain learns 7
Inherent Differences Between Boys’ and Girls’ Brains 8
Developmental and Structural Differences 9
Chemical and Hormonal Differences 10
Functional Differences 11
Differences in Processing Emotion 13
Why There are Differences Between Male and Female Brains 14
A Brief History of Brain Differences 14
Hormones in Utero and at Puberty 15