Gender differences in student perceptions of group learning experiences

Hess, K.P., & Bandyopadhyay, J. (2010). Future Global Leadership and Gender Issues: an Exploration. Competition Forum, 8(2), 183+. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5045686821

Scholarly article -- Competition -- Literature review -- Hypothesis test

Aim / purpose of article

The article aimed at evaluating both genders, that is male and female in context of the leadership requirements of the contemporary global corporate world. The article aimed at understanding which of the two genders fulfil the contemporary requirements of global leadership in a more effective way.

Focus of content / key debates.

The key point of discussion remained whether men or women are more likely to be chooses at a leadership position in a medium sized global U.S. firm.

Strengths of Article

A thorough comparative analysis using secondary date, literature review, context of previous researches and a new primary research. Sample population also included members from one institution outside the United States.

Weaknesses of Article

The author failed to take a clear line as to what degree and in what areas are women likely to succeed in a leadership position.

Title and Reference of article

Kaenzig, R., Anderson, S., Hyatt, E., & Griffin, L. (2006). Gender Differences in Students' Perceptions of Group Learning Experiences. Academy of Educational Leadership Journal, 10(1), 119+. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5034942655

Type of Article

Scholarly article -- Literature review -- Primary Research -- Educational Behaviours.

Aim / purpose of article

To evaluate how gender composition of groups effect the learning capacities in each of the two genders in an educational setting. Also to evaluate how each of the two genders respond to becoming a part on gender wise dynamic learning groups.

Focus of content / key debates.

The key focus on debates was that whether mixed gender composition of learning groups effect the learning tendencies of either of the two genders. In what ways do each of the two genders respond to the group composition. What effects and to what extent are there on the learning tendencies and behavioural patterns of each of the two genders.

Conclusions

The article concluded that while male gender is more comfortable with working in gender diverse teams, women seem to be more reluctant and their productivity and efficiency may decline.

Significance of article in relation to: other articles / topic / prior research

The article in contrast to others focused on how each gender responds in a team setting. This can be applied in an organizational setting to understand how group compositions of training and apprenticeship programs will be effecting the learning tendencies of the member male and females.

Limitations of Article

The research only undertook sample population of traditional ages who were all from business schools. It cannot be concretely stated whether the same results are true for other age groups and for other majors and disciplines.

Strengths of Article

The article maintained a concrete, simplistic and single directional approach to focus specifically on effects of group composition on learning tendencies in different gender.

Weaknesses of Article

The research was too simplistic and focused on only one type of age group, in one region and from one academic discipline.

Title and Reference of article

Winter, J.K., Neal, J.C., & Waner, K.K. (2001). How Male, Female and Mixed-Gender Groups Regard Interaction and Leadership Differences in the Business Communication Course. Business Communication Quarterly, 64(3), 43. Retrieved March 2, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5000879803

Type of Article

Scholarly article- Literature review -- Primary research -- Communication.

Aim / purpose of article

To evaluate how different gender groups view interaction and leadership in a Business Communication course.

Focus of content / key debates.

To evaluate how each group member perceive other mebers in terms of leadership, interpersonal skills, competitiveness, workload sharing etc.

Conclusions

The research concludes that both men and women tend to show different types of interpersonal and leadership behaviours in different types of group settings such as communal and industrial.

Significance of article in relation to: other articles / topic / prior research

The research is much more comprehensive and has attempted to study and evaluate changes in behavioral patterns in each of the two genders under different conditions.

Limitations of Article

Students of traditional ages were taken as sample population. It cannot be concretely said whether the same results would be true for other age groups and practicing employees.

Strengths of Article

The research methodology used three different type gender groups: purely male, purely females and mixed gender groups. This helped in a more concrete analysis about how behavioural patterns change in different genders under different social conditions.

Weaknesses of Article

The research was carried out using students as sample population and that too of the ages whose mental tendency to perceive, understand and report behaviours of fellow group members may be questionable.