Gender in the Classroom

Research has shown that boys receive more attention in the classroom than girls. This is a demonstration of just how much gender plays into our thinking and behavior, even when we have the best of intentions. But what's even more distressing is something called the confidence gap.

Research suggests that even though girls tend on average to perform better in school in all subjects at all ages, they are more likely to lack confidence in their academic abilities. Boys are just the opposite.

Why is this happening? One theory is that it is directly related to how girls are socialized to please others.  And especially to please adults, which includes teachers. When girls experience challenges in school, they believe they are a disappointment and therefore they are less valuable. In contrast, boys see failure in a less general way - they just assume it is specific to that situation.

Even COO of Facebook Sheryl Sandberg talks about her struggle with this confidence gap throughout her life. Feeling like you are trying to avoid being revealed as not smart enough, talented enough, or qualified enough is called the imposter syndrome. Girls and women are notoriously afflicted. Nobel laureate Maya Angelou is quoted as saying "I have written eleven books, but each time I think, 'uh oh, they're going to find out now. I've run a game on everybody, and they're going to find me out.'"

So what can be done to help get past those awful thoughts so that you are not afraid to put yourself out there, speak up, and be a leader? First, acknowledge that these thoughts are not reality. You are not alone in feeling that way, and remind yourself of your value. Second, check out this awesome video by Amy Cuddy. Use the Wonder Woman pose! It works!!

Learn about how to combat your "inner critic" from Greta Thomas in this video. Realize that we don't have to believe our negative thoughts, or spend time ruminating on them. Challenge these thoughts every day.

Most of all, don't give up on yourself. Take a lesson from some of the amazing, smart, successful and inspirational women who have felt exactly the same way. Push past it those feelings, and be bold. The real and confident you believes you can do it.