Gender Awareness: Classroom Experiences of Senior High School Students

Abstract

The goal of education is not just the facilitation of academic knowledge but also the expansion of understanding of concepts and issues which impact classroom experiences. This study looked into students’ level of awareness of gender laws, their perceptions of gender stereotypes, gender discrimination, and gender equality, and their views on gender issues as experienced in the classroom. Participants consisted of one hundred one (N=101) senior high school students from Lapu-lapu City, Cebu, Philippines. A mixed methods approach was used, which consisted of a survey protocol and a focus group discussion. Results show that there is moderate awareness of gender laws and mandates, disagreed on the presence of gender discrimination inside the classroom, and a neutral attitude towards gender tasks and perceived gender equality in the classroom. Thematic analysis revealed five themes: (1) perceived differences in behaviors between girls and boys inside the classroom; (2) perceived favorable attention given by teachers to boys than girls; (3) Science/ academic subjects go beyond gender; (4) equal right to learn regardless of gender; and (5) experiences on gender discrimination in the classroom.