The Co Educational Mixed Learning And Its Opposite, Single Sex School

These last few years Malta did a huge impact in education especially in reducing stigma and streaming in students. Apart from the 10 colleges, the state schools implemented a new system of Co-educational school. In fact, in 2013, the first co-ed school was at St Clara College Pembroke, There was a massive consideration amongst educators and there were high levels of uncertainty with this suggestion to try and tackle effectively all difficulties that may be met. Although in-state schools it was a new concept, this system was already happening in some independent schools. There are a lot of debates about the advantages and disadvantages of co-ed vs single-sex schools.

Single-sex schools have lessened drastically in these last years leaving the number of co-ed schools increasing quickly. The difference between the 2 types of systems is debatable as many people always have uncertainties if it is beneficial to implement co-ed vs single sex to enhance academical performances. Many people highlight issues that it will certainly lessen gender discrimination, create a feeling of safety, mutual respect,sens of belonging and helps student outcomes to tackle behaviour issue more effectively. Others prefer single-sex system as they see that it reduces distractions to learning, reduce the behaviour, improve self-esteem, embrace different learning styles according to the gender, improve quality of work, reduce bullying and harassment and is more helpful when it is related to academic achievements.

There is no evidence which is the best system as there is still a lack of research going around. However, gender stereotyping is surely increased with the single-sex system. Howeverit is very important that, the school environment needs to be helpful where students feel safe and needs huge funds in resources. Educators have an important part in the achievement of this reform and they must be involved so that their ideas, distress and aspirations are addressed. Resistance to change is expected but the aspects causing the resistance must not be ignored. the least resistance will be affected by the children as they are used to have co-ed setup in kindergarten and primary schools. Co-education could be utterly important to lessen the gaps between males and females and enhance gender quality and inclusion. Church schools around Malta are considering to implement the co-education system in secondary schools. This system still exists in Sixth forms and 5 primary church schools around Malta but it is still not implemented in secondary education.