

Concern regarding teachers and how they transfer anxiety to some students







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By Donovan on 1/27/2010 11:47:19 AM , Rating: 3
My impression from having been a physics/math tutor is that girls who lack confidence in the subject will often "talk themselves out of" the right answer. In many ways I think they do better studying on their own because the presence of an authority on the subject seems to intimidate them more and make them less likely to volunteer an answer. Like anyone they need a way to get their questions answered when they are stuck, but the usual "hand-holding" style of tutoring seems almost counterproductive at times.

I've noticed a similar situation where people who consider themselves bad with computers will call for advice even when they already know what to do. Being aware of the risks is one thing, but being cautious to the point of inaction is the surest way to never get any better. Assertiveness has a lot of value in technical often learn by doing stupid and reckless things, and, at least stereotypically, young boys are allowed to be more "stupid and reckless" than young girls.

One other point: I think guys (myself included) are too quick to "help" a girl by taking over completely, whereas we are more inclined to simply offer advice and step back when it is another guy who is struggling. Moreover, the male ego is such that the guy is likely to refuse to accept help from another guy even when he needs it, which is probably better for him in the long run.

