Abstract

of

THE EFFECT OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING ON TEACHER PERCEPTIONS ON GENDER EQUITY ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM

by

Nona M. Boyd

This study examined the effect of in-service training on teacher perceptions on gender equity issues in the classroom. Seventeen K-12 teachers with teaching experience from one to more than 15 years participated in a gender equity workshop. Thirteen participants received gender equity training in their credentialing program, four received training since entering the profession. Sources of data included a quantitative analysis of responses to a pre and post survey consisting of a Likert questionnaire and a qualitative analysis of two open ended questions in the post survey. Findings indicated that all participants increased their perceptions on gender equity issues in the classroom. These findings imply gender training should be included in preservice teacher credentialing programs and teachers should be giving on-going training in gender equitable teaching approaches. This study’s findings concur with other studies which state that brief training on gender, four hours, can make a difference in educator’s teaching approaches and awareness on gender and learning.