Paraphrasing

(Wollstonecraft 179).

Mixing genders in public and private schools enables girls to develop better learning

and acquisition skills. Collaboration between the sexes in the classroom exposes girls to

the opposite sex as they can learn from each other intellectually as well as socially.

Wollstonecraft states “With what disgust have I heard sensible women, for girls, more

restrained are cowed than boys, speak of the wearisome confinement, which they endured at

school.”( Wollstonecraft 170). In both private and public schools, mixing genders helps

girls to be exposed to different cultures thus creating a good learning environment

where they are comfortable to study and concentrate on their studies. Creating a

comfortable environment helps girls to socialize better and participate in group activities

effectively. In such an environment, girls tend to perform better and improve on their

learning skills. “Preliminary results of data collected through Puntambekar’s CoMPASS

project show that middle school science students working in groups containing at least

one member of the opposite gender scored significantly higher than single-sex groups

on a test covering the content the groups studied, according to a paper co-authored by

Dana Gnesdilow, Amanda Evenstone, Julia Rutledge, Sarah Sullivan and

Puntambekar.” (White). Both the public and the private education system ought to mix

genders to ensure that girls get equal opportunities as boys. Students learning together

in one class are in a better position to understand and perform well since they can

assist and help one another. Therefore, both the public and private schools should

ensure that they enroll both boys and girls as it promotes gender equality.

Wollstonecraft states “I have already animadverted on the bad habits which females acquire

when they are shut up together; and, I think, that the observation may fairly be extended to the

other sex, till the natural inference is drawn which I have had in view throughout- that to

improve both sexes they ought, not only in private families, but in public schools, to be

educated together.” (Wollstonecraft 171)

Also, mixing gender in public and private schools allows boys to be able to voice

out their opinions and ideas and learn how to interact with the girls. “In mixed

schooling system both the sexes can take help from each other and they can

also share their ideas on different topics normally girls and boys have different

point of view so the mixed schooling system enables them to share their ideas,

removal of differences and also creates team spirit among them it also promotes

mutual understanding between them.” (Abbas). They can express and share their

views thus boosting their confidence level and self-esteem. Wollstonecraft states,

“But, I presuppose, that such degree of equality should be established between

the sexes as would shut out gallantry and coquetry, yet allow friendship and love

to temper the heart for the discharge of higher duties.” (Wollstonecraft 175). It exposes

women on how to fulfill their duties effectively, provide for their relationships and most

importantly boost their self-confidence and esteem. This exposure will also help them

develop domestic affections that are essential for their relationships. Women are taught

on how to carry out their duties, take responsibility for their actions and showing respect

for their elders thus developing high moral values. Working together psychologically

prepares both sexes for real experiences. They can develop values and skills that will

help them survive in the real world. Both men and women are exposed to different role

models the expose them to different leadership roles. They also learn to work with their

peers as they can learn from one another. Wollstonecraft states, “they should be tried

by their peers, which would be an admirable method of fixing sound principles of justice

in mind, and might have the happiest effect on temper, which is very early soured or

irritated by tyranny, till it becomes peevishly cunning, or ferociously overbearing.”

(Wollstonecraft 177). Both men and women can learn from each other’s mistakes. Men

are taught on how to take responsibility in supporting the female character and not to

abuse or mistreat them. Women are taught on how to respect and care for the opposite

sex. They learn about values such a caring and showing respect to their men.

Wollstonecraft states “And when children are confined to the society of men and women, they

very soon acquire that kind of premature manhood which stops the growth of every vigorous

power of mind or body. In order to open their faculties, they should be excited to think for

themselves; and this can only be done by mixing a number of children together, and making

them jointly pursue the same objects.” (Wollstonecraft 163). Whether it is public or private

school, women are entitled to equal learning opportunities as men. They should be fully

exposed to develop the qualities of a good mother and a wife. Women will become a

product of what they are taught from a young age; therefore, it is of importance to

provide them activities that will nurture their character, integrity, and moral values.

I personally believe that mixing genders in private schools is also beneficial for both genders because Private schools are supplied with powerful learning tools and modern educational system such as motivational courses and books, adequate and modern computer laboratories, well-built school facilities and a professional school administration staff. “A major advantage to private education is that your child will likely be challenged to a higher academic standard. Private schools can be more academically rigorous than public schools, and private school students may have to meet more criteria to keep up their grade point averages.” (Kennedy). These schools ensure that children are equipped with the best facilities to promote success. They also ensure proper coordination of work, therefore, female students attending private schools are more likely to have a character associated with success. They can learn about diverse cultures and associate easily with peers. Private schools offer activities such as competitions that improve the learner’s performance in an area of study, therefore acting as a sign of motivation since they do not want to fail thus working hard to win. Private schools offer tuition from staff members to the low performing student. This enables the child to improve on her studies as they are provided with all the required resources. Therefore, as much as the author supports the idea of mixing gender in public school, it is also important for the private schools to mix the sexes as it benefits the females as well.

In conclusion, the public and private education system must realize the respective equal role of both male and female and help them to complement each other to improve their life. It is important that this practice is initiated as soon as possible to allow for healthy competition between men and women and to give both genders the chance to compete effectively in the workplace. Men must use their dominant qualities for good by protecting and supporting females. Women must also use the little knowledge that they have to help males. It explains that the two beings complement one another. The national education system, therefore, should support any form of teaching that promotes gender equality such as gender roles and ensuring that the needs of women are met efficiently. It will be good for the societies and the country. As I conclude, it is correct what the author says about public schools mixing genders to promote gender equality in the education system, however, there is more weight in both the private and the public school system putting more effort to enroll both boys and girls eradicates gender inequality.

Works cited

Abbas, Saba.“Advantages of Co-education” Data Smoke. Blog Sport. The House of Knowledge. n.p. n.d . Web. 17 Apr.2017.