Women's Education. The Cutting Edge Series.

Overview & Synopsis

This book is about women's education. As defined in the first chapter, women's education is possessed or owned by women; is provided by women for women; focuses on the needs of women; and is designed for and about women. Chapter 2 looks at the historical roots of education for women and girls and at the growth of women's education since the early 1970s. Chapter 3 focuses on the various theoretical influences on women's education. Chapter 4 argues and defends the case for women-only education as an option. Chapter 5 explores the whole curriculum of women's education. First, the practical considerations are listed, using checklists and guidelines. Then, the curriculum is analyzed in greater detail, using various frameworks to explore the significant characteristics of women's education. Chapters 6-8 look at examples of women's education in practice, drawing on a range of case studies covered in an extensive study of women-only programs. Chapter 6 describes the research and the six case studies. Chapter 7 considers six main issues that emerged from the research: ideology, inspiration and motivation, ownership, group dynamics, assessment, and progression. Chapter 8 discusses the recommendations and guidelines for each issue. Chapter 9 addresses specifically "women-only training." Chapter 10 draws together arguments for women-only education in the light of changes in government policy and legislation on education and training. Appendixes contain the following: a list of women-friendly approaches to teaching and learning, a framework for curriculum analysis, a 146-item bibliography and an index. (YLB)