Does unconscious behaviour of teachers cause chemistry lessons to be unpopular with girls?

Abstract

Chemistry lessons were observed in the 8th grade of two West German schools over a period of a term. Boys received more attention from the teacher than girls. They were called on more often and they spontaneously gave their opinions more frequently. An equal proportion of girls’ and boys’ replies were praised and encouraged, but this meant that boys received more praise and encouragement in absolute terms. Teachers should be made aware of the problematic nature of their own behaviour, so that they can remove the discrimination against girls in chemistry education.