

Falling Behind: Troublemakers
Apr 15, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guests Jayante Owens, an Assistant Professor at Yale specializing in organizational behavior in education, and Andrew Cooper, a dynamic fifth-grade teacher from Salt Lake City, confront the challenge of engaging boys in learning. They address how societal perceptions shape boys' behavior in the classroom and the impact on their education. They advocate for hands-on, interactive teaching methods to help boys thrive, emphasizing the need for empathy and the importance of rethinking traditional educational approaches to better support young male students.
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Initial Observation
- Jayanti Owens noticed her brother's teachers reacted differently to him than they did to her.
- This sparked her interest in how boys are perceived and treated in school.
Behavior's Impact on Education
- A 2016 study showed girls earned more schooling than boys, partly due to behavioral differences.
- These early behavioral differences affect long-term educational outcomes.
The Troublemaker Label
- Boys' behavior is often perceived negatively, shaping their self-image and how others treat them.
- This can create a vicious cycle of negative perceptions and behaviors.