The Foreign Service Journal, June 2016

94 JUNE 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT employ gender-specific teaching tech- niques effectively. Boosting Self Esteem Student self-esteem is a concern for parents and educators. Students in a single-sex environment are more likely to be open to various fields of study, and are less likely to be self-conscious or hesitant about trying out new areas of learning atypical for that gender. Struc- turing the classroom experience around this model allows the student to enjoy the learning experience more deeply. In turn, students develop greater self- confidence, tackle more challenging or “out of the norm” courses of study, and engage more freely with peers and adults Members of the FS Community Comment “My experience … was liberating. I could shed all of the concerns that derive from dual sex environments while in the classroom, but assume my interest in a diverse social life when I chose to. It was all on my terms and that was a powerful dynamic for me.” —FSO, single-sex college graduate “[Single-sex college] shaped who I am and better prepared me for the ’real world.’ It made me strong and independent, and gave me confidence in my intelligence and abilities.” —FS student, single-sex college graduate “It brought a different type of focus in the classroom, as well as fostering an environment that encourages girls to be more vocal and participate in class.” —FS student, single-sex high school graduate