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Designing Gender-Responsive Lesson Plans

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Session 5: Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, participants should:

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• Have examined what makes a lesson plan gender responsive.

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• Understand some key gender responsive teaching principles to consider when making a lesson plan, and strategies to implement them.

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Resource 8a Lesson Plan Outline

In Laos You have 4 types of lesson Plan – which of these would be the most similar to yours?

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What are the 4 key steps?

Gender Responsive Lesson Plans

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• Quality in a lesson depends on thorough, effective planning.
• What things do we need to decide when making a lesson plans?
• Whereas many teachers have the skills to develop good lesson plans, making the plans gender-responsive requires a special set of skills and attitudes.

Gender Responsive Lesson Plans

• Although the content of a lesson is often determined by the curriculum or the syllabus, it is the teacher who is responsible to ensure the lesson is gender-responsive.
• Certain topics allow you to explicitly question gender roles when teaching, for example, topics about different professions, and family responsibilities around the home. Some lessons may already be designed to address gender considerations
• When planning a lesson, it is useful to think of some open, thought-provoking questions that challenge gender roles related to the lesson
• Identify the clear purpose of the lesson by reflecting on expected results of all students covering knowledge development, skills development, and attitudes development.

Lesson Plan

In order to deliver a gender-responsive lesson you should reflect on the following aspects during the planning of that lesson:

•How you will deliver the lesson, keeping in mind the class composition, the number of boys and girls, and their particular needs;

•The environment, including seating arrangements;

•the activities and the learning materials and whether they are gender sensitive;

•Interactions with and between the learners, including the language used; and

•assessment of the students.

Gender in Images

Take a look at the images below. In pairs briefly discuss:

• How might students perceive these images?
• What messages do they convey about gender roles?

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Gender-Responsive Teaching Principles

Gender-Responsive Teaching Principles:

• Inclusion: Ensure all students feel seen and valued.
• Equity: Address gender disparities and provide equal opportunities.
• Empowerment: Encourage critical thinking about gender norms.

Transformative Teaching:

• Gender-transformative teaching goes beyond surface changes to challenge societal norms.

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Inclusion

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• Inclusion goes beyond children being in the classroom. It means creating an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued.
• Strategies:
• Diverse Examples: Use examples that represent various genders, cultures, and backgrounds.
• Student Voice: Encourage students to share their perspectives and experiences.
• Group Dynamics: Ensure group activities are inclusive and collaborative, with girls and boys given chances to lead activities.

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Equity

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• Equity acknowledges that different students have varying needs and starting points. It aims to level the playing field.
• Strategies:
• Differentiated Instruction: Tailor teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and use a mix of teaching methods.
• Fair Assessment: Avoid gender bias in grading and assessment.
• Resource Allocation: Provide equal access to resources (books, technology, etc.).

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Empowerment

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• Empowerment involves challenging traditional gender norms and fostering critical thinking.
• Strategies:
• Critical Reflection: Encourage students to question stereotypes and societal expectations, for example when they see these in teaching materials
• Role Models: Highlight achievements of individuals breaking gender barriers.
• Skills Development: Equip students with skills to challenge bias beyond the classroom.

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Transformative Learning

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• Transformative learning aims for deep, lasting change. It moves beyond surface adjustments to address systemic issues.
• Strategies:
• Deconstructing Gender Norms: Engage students in discussions about gender roles, power dynamics, and privilege.
• Encourage students to take action (e.g., organizing awareness campaigns, advocating for change).

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