Inclusive Education: Addressing Gender Issues in Schools

Course Objectives

• To provide participants with a clear understanding of how gender stereotypes and biases affect students’ learning and opportunities.
• To present strategies for creating inclusive and gender-sensitive classroom environments.
• To equip educators with practical tools to prevent gender-based discrimination and promote equal participation.
• To encourage the integration of gender perspectives into curricula, teaching materials and school activities.
• To support participants in developing action plans that foster gender equality and inclusion within their schools.

Schedule

Module 1 – Understanding Gender and Education

• Key concepts: gender, equality, equity, and inclusion in education.
• Impact of gender stereotypes and biases on student learning and choices.
• Overview of European and international policies on gender equality in schools.
• Examples of how unconscious bias can appear in classroom interactions and materials.

Module 2 – Identifying Gender Inequalities in Schools

• Common forms of gender bias in teaching practices and curricula.
• Analysis of gender gaps in STEM, arts, leadership, and participation.
• Real cases of gender-based disparities in educational settings.
• Strategies to recognise barriers that affect different student groups.

Module 3 – Gender-Sensitive Curriculum and Lesson Design

• Principles for developing inclusive curricula and teaching materials.
• Approaches to avoid stereotypes in content and assessment.
• Incorporating diverse role models and perspectives in lessons.
• Examples of gender-inclusive adaptations for different subjects.

Module 4 – Creating Equitable Classroom Environments

• Practices to promote equal participation of all students in classroom activities.
• Methods to support students in underrepresented fields.
• Encouraging leadership and confidence among all learners.
• Examples of schools successfully promoting gender balance in education.

Module 5 – Collaboration with Families and Communities

• The role of families in supporting gender equality at school.
• Strategies for addressing cultural differences and stereotypes.
• School-community partnerships that promote inclusion and respect for diversity.
• Examples of initiatives that successfully engaged families in promoting equity.

Module 6 – Preventing Gender-Based Discrimination and Violence

• Understanding gender-based bullying, harassment, and exclusion in schools.
• Policies and approaches to ensure safe and inclusive environments.
• Good practices from European schools to prevent and respond to discrimination.
• Key elements of whole-school approaches to gender equality.

Module 7 – Digital Resources to Promote Gender Equality

• Digital tools and platforms for raising awareness about gender equality.
• Media and online content that challenge stereotypes.
• Examples of collaborative digital projects connecting students globally.
• Strategies to ensure inclusive and respectful digital environments.

Module 8 – Developing a Gender Equality Action Plan

• Framework for planning initiatives to address gender issues in education.
• Key steps: defining priorities, setting goals, choosing strategies and resources.
• How to involve colleagues, students, and families in the implementation.
• Examples of impactful school-wide gender equality plans from European schools.

Module 9 – Implementation and Sustainability

• Strategies to embed gender equality into school culture and daily practices.
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented actions.
• Building partnerships with local and international networks for lasting impact.
• Ensuring long-term change through continuous improvement.