Sex differences in behavior ratings: male and female teachers rate male and female pupils.

Abstract

Male and female primary school teachers rated their male and female pupils using a 16-item classroom behavior rating scale (Modified AML). Male pupils were generally rated more poorly than femal pupils by both male and female teachers. Male teachers rated both male and female pupils more conservatively than did female teachers on the separate factors of the AML scale. There was no difference in ratings by male and femal teachers of the overall adjustment of pupils, where the extreme scale point called for a professional decision as to whether the child should be referred to child guidance services. The findings have methodological implications for epidemiological studies, and for longitudinal studies. The findings fail to support the view that male pupils have more difficulty in school because they are taught by female teachers.