Gender-Sensitive Instructional Materials: Basis for Kindergarten Instructional Material Designs

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate and use gender-sensitive instructional materials for kindergarten. Specifically, it sought answers to the following issues: gender-sensitive instructional materials presently used by kindergarten teachers; guidelines being followed by kindergarten teachers in developing gender-sensitive instructional materials; and kindergarten instructional material designs can be developed for gender-sensitive instructional materials development. As a result, the study prompted to find out how teachers develop gender-sensitive instructional materials that can address issues and promote gender awareness in the teaching-learning process.

METHODS

The study employed both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were gathered through a rating scale which has been accomplished by the respondents regarding their evaluation on gender-sensitive instructional materials. In orderto determine the guidelines being followed by the teachers, interview has been done which was triangulated with the data from actual observation of instructional materials.

RESULTS

The teachers in our district perceived two of those indicators of gender-sensitive instructional materials in kindergarten as "often applied", namely: the illustrations used should provide non-stereotypes and portray women in active; and the content is free of terms deemed insulting and degrading by women themselves. This means that there were some parts of their instructional materials like illustrations used and terms of content which seemed to perpetuate stereotypes.

DISCUSSIONS

The results show the need for more emphasis on gender education. Gender equality education should be understood as not only eliminating gender biases but also how the teacher integrate experiences and needs of the learners into all educational practices to enable them to overcome traditional gender relations through education.