Madam, - Dr William Reville assumes (Science Today, January 18th) that boys's academic performance is worse now than in the past. I think it is more logical to assume that girls are performing better than they used to when they had little expectation of fulfilling careers.
The question of educational imbalance is a serious one for all of us and deserves more consideration than simply blaming a "politically correct agenda" and urging men to "take care of themselves".
I believe that boys are at a disadvantage because school, as it is currently organised, suits girls far more than boys. Most boys have a much greater need to move than most girls. Sitting quietly for long periods is more difficult for them and often leads to disruptive classroom behaviour. Many boys (and some girls) actually find it difficult to absorb information while their bodies are still.
We urgently need to study gender-related learning styles and accommodate the very different needs of boys within the classroom. Until then we will continue to see boys under-performing relative to girls. - Yours, etc,
NICOLA REEVES,
Tivoli Terrace East,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.