ARE THERE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GIRLS IN SINGLE-SEX AND MIXED SCHOOLS - A CONTRIBUTION TO THE COEDUCATION DEBATE

Lately it has often been maintained that coeducation, which has become the norm, has negative effects on girls' development. Especially in mathematics, science and technology the gender differences are so great that the impression arises that coeducation contributes to these differences instead of counteracting them. Therefore, in a study comparing school types we examined male and female pupils in the 12th grade of four private schools (two girls' schools, two coeducational schools) in Hessen, Germany, with respect to a number of relevant variables. Girls in single-sex schools did indeed show greater interest in mathematics and science (but also in other subjects), chose more corresponding courses and rated their own ability in such subjects as higher. There were no significant differences between girls in single-sex and coeducational schools with respect to knowledge of physics, preferred explanations for success and failure and gender orientation in their university plans. The results are discussed in the context of possible practical consequences.