Self-Awareness
Trouble with Boys
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Why do boys struggle so much in school? Experts have proven there are learning differences between boys and girls. Watch The Trouble with Boys and learn how schools are adapting – and what parents can do for their boys.
FAMILY DISCUSSION GUIDE
These discussion questions are provided for families to extend learning as they watch The Trouble with Boys. Some discussion questions are for parents to consider.
DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE
Click number to proceed.
PART 1
1. Not only are more young women attending college than young men, young women are graduating at a higher rate than young men. What do you think are the reasons for this? Why are these concerning factors?
2. (For parents to consider) Do you think that boys have more difficulty in our local school compared to girls? Why or why not?
VIDEO SEGMENTS
PART 2
3. What are some advantages to having boys in a different classroom at least for part of the school day?
4. Michael Gurian lists several differences in the way boys and girls learn. Why do you think that it is important to be aware of these differences? Does our family need to change any of our activities outside of school because of the differences in how boys and girls learn?
5. Michael Gurian discusses changes that were made in the way math was taught because girls were failing math. Do you agree with him about the changes necessary for boys? Why or why not?
6. In talking about his class, teacher John Delacey says, “A person who’s not used to that may say ‘it’s a little noisy or a little rowdy in the room’ but I would hope they would say ‘this is active learning going on’”. Why do you think active learning is a good thing for students? Do the things we do as a family provide active learning opportunities? If not, what could be done differently?
VIDEO SEGMENT
PART 3
7. (For parents to consider) Do you believe that 10% of boys need medication to do well in school? Why or why not?
8. Michael Gurian says, “(Schools) are becoming boy negative”. Do you agree or disagree? Describe why or why not.
9. Michael Gurian recommends that someone tutor a struggling male student and develop an individual relationship with him. Why do you think this approach is effective?
10. Whether it is necessary for our family or not, what are the essential ingredients of a plan to help a struggling boy? Why are the ingredients you chose essential?
VIDEO SEGMENT
PART 4
11. When talking about school and the future, Jason Watson says, “(Staying in school) in my head, that don’t make sense”. Why do you think some adolescent boys have trouble seeing that attending school is a path to success?
12. Who are the adults at our family’s school who have quality relationships with students? What are the things that these adults do?
13. Michael Glascoe says, “(Schools) tend to define reasons why our students don’t achieve-we label them so then it becomes an excuse”. Do you think this is a problem for our local school? Why or why not?
VIDEO SEGMENT
PART 5
14. Michael Gurian says, “(For some boys) the school system is a mismatch”. Do you think this a problem in your local school? Why or why not?
15. What strengths does each of the children in our family have to offer? How can these strengths help in school?
16. Are there actions that are needed to help our local schools or community programs better help boys? Develop a workable plan to support your ideas.
