Boys are different than girls. As previously discussed, boys prefer a dramatically different learning environment and style than how girls prefer to learn.
The social preferences of boys and girls are also sharply contrasted according to new brain scan research from the National Institute of Mental Health. TIME summarizes the research nicely. Essentially, girls want one-on-one close friendships, and boys prefer to interact in groups.
As girls progress from early puberty to late adolescence, certain regions of their brains become more active when they face a potential social interaction. Specifically, when an older girl anticipates meeting someone new — someone she believes will be interested in her — her nucleus accumbens (which is associated with reward and motivation), hypothalamus (associated with hormone secretion), hippocampus (associated with social learning) and insula (associated with subjective feelings) all become more active. By contrast, boys in the same situation show no such increase in activity in these areas. In fact, the activity in their insula actually declines.
This research combined with our knowledge of gender learning preferences, gives insight into how we can create youth ministries that maximize both a teen’s learning and social enjoyment.
For Boys:
So when teaching boys, keep the group large but controllable (i.e., 12-24 boys) and in even numbers for team competition. Stand and move around while speaking forcefully and realistically. Allow the boys to occasionally move and keep the room at 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Use cooler colors in your environment and teaching. Play sports and competitive games, so the boys can naturally bond via social competition.
For Girls:
So when teaching girls, keep the group very small and intimate and allow for one-on-one interaction or even mentoring. Sit in a circle with the girls and speak descriptively and in a nurturing tone. Keep the room at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use lots of colors, particularly warmer colors, and use visual and/or tactile textures. Create a secure yet stimulating environment where they can feel comfortable in taking risks that you encourage them to take.
For Discussion:
- If you teach kids and youth, what has your experience taught you about their preferences?
69 degrees huh? I *knew* that 80 degree room was keeping me from learning.
Yeah, that’s what researchers say. Quite precise.
[...] Teaching Differently to Boys & Girls Working as a middle school director is an interesting job to say the least. One of the challenges is communicating to such a long spectrum from a 6th grade boy to an 8th grade girl. If you have met both of those lifeforms they are about as opposite as they come…and yet each week I am the guy thats supposed to teach both of them effectively. Check out a post on the subject I found over at churchrelevance.com [...]
I taught a group of boys for almost five years. We met monthly starting when they were thirteen years old. Our purpose was to teach Christian Bible-based manhood. Because resources didn’t exist for our purpose, I had to research and plan our discussions. I also used a very effective venue for getting and maintaining the boys’ attention. From my experiences, I created Squires2Knights Ministries - equipping men to mentor our teenage boys.
In a nutshell, we met in the country, about 10 miles out of town. We played a competitive, rough outdoor game for two or three hours. This created a bonding experience between the boys and men. It also got some of the excess energy out of the boys. We then roasted hotdogs over a campfire. The meal included the dogs, chips and water. It was simple and basic.
We then had our discussion. The food had to be put away to minimize distractions. I was able to keep their attention for 30 to 45 minutes easy. And yes, I spoke with a forceful voice, trying to convey urgency and significance.
The image I developed for the boys vision was the training of squires into knighthood. We often used swords, a helmet and a shield as props and lesson illustrations.
I believe teenage boys need some opportunities to get out of the co-ed environment and with men. They need to be active, get rough and dirty, take risks and compete. I believe that boys need to catch a vision of authentic manhood and pursue Christ-likeness. Imagine the compound return for our families, churches and communities.