Gender Bias in Educational Material and Teaching Practices in Schools: A Case Study of Public Secondary Schools in Iganga District

Abstract

This study investigated gender bias in educational materials and teaching practices in a case study of public secondary schools in the Iganga district and objectively focused on; examining the indicators of gender bias in the preparation of educational materials and content delivery, identifying factors contributing to gender bias in educational programs, and examining the functional attempts made to eliminate gender bias to enhance teaching practices. Qualitative Oral-narrative results from teachers were obtained and reported in story form, while results from headteachers were obtained and reported verbatim. Findings indicated that there were several indicators of gender bias in the public secondary schools in Iganga District. This was reflected in leadership, where female headteachers were scarce, with only two schools having female principals. Besides, the internal administrative responsibilities were biased against females, as heads of disciplinary committees were predominantly male teachers, as were directors of studies and other positions. The causes for these, as per the findings, were: the perception that some jobs were best performed and suited for females; the flexibility aspect, as men were found to be so tough and rigid; and the favouritism aspect. Functional mechanisms for reducing gender biases in public secondary schools included, among other things, posting anti-gender bias messages on classroom and office walls, balancing responsibilities, and suggestion boxes. Conclusively, in almost all public secondary schools in Iganga District, there is no female head of the disciplinary committee an indicator of gender bias in the assignment of disciplinary committee responsibilities. Many female teachers are denied certain responsibilities because they are either married or unable to attend to their responsibilities at certain times of the day. The major recommendation is that every teacher should be required to ensure that gender-sensitive messages are disseminated and posted on walls and in appropriate places.