Book Description
ABSTRACT: In this study, class design (single-sex math classes compared to coeducational math classes) was examined as an alternative method that could potentially improve middle school students' math performance. The study examined single-sex classes as a method of reducing adolescent developmental issues that may negatively impact knowledge development in social learning environments. The social, collaborative learning environments of public middle schools provide an academic atmosphere that highlights Bandura's social cognitive theory of reciprocal determinism. This study identified triadic reciprocal factors within the social learning environment of public middle schools that could negatively impact learning. These factors included (a) personal factors, (b) behavioral factors, and (c) environmental factors. The singlesex class design was expected to serve two functions: (a) create a supportive learning environment that emphasized communication, interaction, and participation within a supportive, harassment-free educational setting (Parker & Rennie, 2002), and (b) reduce individual and social adolescent development factors which may negatively affect learning in public middle schools. The results indicate that class design as it relates to single-sex math classes and coeducational math classes, under these specific learning conditions, appear to have little effect on reducing negative adolescent development factors related to mathematical knowledge development. Analyses of the results from a general perspective indicate that single-sex math classes and coeducational math classes are equally beneficial in promoting academic achievement.