Searching for Answers When Girls Don't Perform Well: Evaluating Classroom Discourse and Microculture in a Sixth Grade Science Classroom

Abstract

OF THESIS SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS WHEN GIRLS DON’T PERFORM WELL: EVALUATING CLASSROOM DISCOURSE AND MICROCULTURE IN A SIXTH GRADE SCIENCE CLASSROOM This action research project examines the role classroom culture and discourse can play on student learning, with a focus on female students. A sixth grade science classroom was evaluated through analysis of two videotaped astronomy lessons. The classroom environment utilized qualitative methods to examine teacher and student interactions, student and student interactions, and classroom environment. The research project began in response to a previous research project which found that after completing an astronomy unit male students not only out preformed female students, but female students lost gains in several area. Findings suggested that there may be a connection between the classroom discourse and microculture and the girls’ low performance.