Gender Bias on Skill and Workbook Used by English Teachers of Grade III in Dagatan Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study determined the level of gender bias in skills workbooks used by Grade III English teachers in Dagatan Elementary School. Specifically, this study assessed the issue in terms of textual contents and visual representation using the 16 indicators presented by Cohen et. al. Further, the researchers developed gender sensitive instructional materials based on the findings.

METHODS

The qualitative descriptive analysis is primarily carried out using four elements of the skills workbook contents. These are: words (e.g. names, nouns, pronouns, attributes, roles etc.), sentences (e.g. dialogues between two males vs. two females, firstness or order of mention in sentences), stories (e.g. centeredness of the story, leading characters) and pictures (e.g. the individual and their activities) as different units of analysis. The researchers follow the four C's of Cohen: coding, categorizing, comparing, and concluding. A total of 629 pages from skills workbooks were manually analyzed based on the identified categories. Based on the result, the level of gender bias is average towards male. The researcher designed an activity book and flashcard to attain a gender sensitive instructional material appropriate for Grade III pupils.

RESULTS

Upon the conduct of the study, the researchers found-out that the Skills Workbook (SWB) used by Grade III English teachers of Dagatan Elementary School are highly biased towards male in terms of professional occupation, level of priority, and centeredness in the picture. Moreover, the workbook/activity book developed by the researchers are gender sensitive and can help to promote gender development in the mind of Grade III pupils.

DISCUSSIONS

The results revealed that the activity books/workbooks issued to pupils are gender biased. It is very important to start raising awareness of gender equality concerns among children. Utilization of Workbook that promotes gender development like "Building English Towards Excellence (BETE) which was created by the authors can serve as a tool to resolve gender bias.