<p>Here's a pretty good research essay written by a student from Colorado State University on the subject of women's colleges, which was written in 2000: (Part 1)</p>
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Students may investigate many variables when exploring options for higher education. The size and location of the institution, types of majors offered, and the amount of financial aid available are just a few of the considerations for potential college students. However, few students stop to contemplate the gender composition of their future institution. While some students might not consider attending single-sex colleges and universities, there are numerous benefits in single-gender institutions. In fact, research suggests there are multiple educational advantages for students, and for women in particular, who attend single-sex colleges or universities. As stated by Riordan (1994), </p>
<p>Coeducation is one of the least studied of all major topics in education. Researcher have attacked the issues of race and social class integration relentlessly. Likewise, the question of ability grouping (separate or mixed) has been investigated extensively. The pros and cons of mixed- and single-sex schooling, on the other hand, have received little attention. (p. 486) </p>
<p>This paper attempts to examine the benefits of a single-sex education for women at the collegiate level. These benefits may come in the form of academic success, identity formation, leadership potential, or future success. It is important to consider the history of women's institutions, as well as the benefits gained by women attending an all-female college or university. In addition, it is notable to consider the challenges presented by a single-sex education. It also is necessary to explore the different educational options provided to women and the viability of each option. Finally, the future of women's institutions is important to examine, especially in a time of social and cultural integration. </p>
<p>HISTORY</p>
<p>"The history of women's education does offer a high road into the fascinating world of women's perceptions of themselves and the world" (Fox-Genovese, 1997, p. 203). The need for women's institutions was realized in the early 1800s. In 1821 Emma Willard, a pioneer for change in the education of women, founded the Troy Female Seminary in Troy, New York, (Komives & Woodward, 1996). As a whole, the southern United States made the first concentrated effort to establish women's institution of higher education. By the 1850s 30 of the 39 chartered female colleges in the country were located in the South. The stated goal of the first southern women's institution, Georgia Female College, later known as Wesleyan College, was to formulate an education for women identical "to that available at the highest levels for men and to use the term college in doing so" (Fox-Genovese, 1997, p. 204). The white male population believed that women could benefit from education, as a woman's role changed following the American Revolutionary War. Women were considered guardians of moral standards, since they provided their children with training and discipline. It was clear that women would need to be educated in a more orderly fashion (Komives & Woodward, 1996). </p>
<p>The process of educating women initially centered on the teaching of others. At the time, teaching seemed to be a natural extension of the woman's role as a nurturer and moral guardian. However, women's colleges eventually matched the proficiency of men's colleges in teaching modern languages such as French, German, Spanish, and Italian (Fox-Genovese, 1997). In addition, women's institutions surpassed men's institutions in the teaching of the arts, foreshadowing modern degrees in the fine arts. Women's schools also offered instruction in science and mathematics, and there were no "discernable differences" in the performance level of men and women (Fox-Genovese, 1997, p. 205). </p>
<p>BENEFITS TO WOMEN</p>
<p>As stated previously, research has suggested women benefit from attending a single-gender institution. Studies have indicated the primary advantages for women educated at single-gender institutions were improved academics and emotional confidence (Smith, Wolf, & Morrison, 1995; Kim & Alverez, 1995; Monaco & Gaier, 1992; Riordan, 1994). Additional benefits included increased opportunities for leadership positions and enhanced post-graduation achievement. </p>
<p>The rationale for improved academic performance for women at single-gender colleges or universities was based upon research comparing coeducational and women's institutions. Research implied that a "chilly climate" in the coeducational, college classroom not only drives women from some "masculine" fields, such as engineering and science, but also hinders their learning processes (Riordan, 1994). "Male students generally receive more attention from teachers, and they dominate discussions and classroom interaction at all levels" (Riordan, 1994, p. 489). </p>
<p>A coeducational climate may dissuade female students from participating in class, prevent them from pursuing help outside the classroom, and cause them to avoid "sexist" classes or professors. Women's institutions, in contrast, "provide special innovative programs for women and, in some cases, tailor to the learning style of women" (Riordan, 1994, p. 490). For example, Ursuline College, in Cleveland, Ohio, has designed its curriculum to emphasize group discussions and collaborative learning, as it has been shown that more women learn in a social context (Gose, 1995). In addition, the mere presence of women, as well as encouragement from female peers, appears to be important in the development of women's interests in academic achievement (Riordan, 1994). </p>
<p>Another possible educational advantage for women attending single-sex institutions is the percentage of same-gender role models. Women at women's colleges and universities are much more likely to consider female faculty as role models (Whitt, 1994; Kim & Alverez, 1995; Monaco & Gaier, 1992; Miller-Bernal, 1993; Riordan, 1994). Some argue this is a result of a higher percentage of women faculty and administrators. According to the website for Scripps College, a women's college in Claremont, California, "more than 80% of all women's college presidents are women, compared to 12% at coed institutions, and the faculty, senior administration, and boards of trustees at most women's colleges are equally divided between male and female" (Scripps College, 1998, On-line source). Miller-Bernal (1993) concluded that students perform better in an atmosphere where it is perceived that the faculty and staff are sufficiently concerned with their needs. A greater proportion of women faculty, staff, and administrators may increase this perception of concern. </p>
<p>One of the many advantages to attending a women's college is gaining a higher level of self-esteem. Monaco and Gaier (1992) state, "Women in single-sex settings are also exposed to an atmosphere in which high-achievement women are the rule rather than the exception" (p. 586). Environments that promote highest potential performance, while at the same time support them in all facets of their education, boost their self-esteem. Miller-Bernal (1993) suggested the key reason women's colleges benefit their students is because the environment encourages students to be more confident in themselves. Miller-Bernal (1993) also proposed a women's centered curriculum, one that focuses on the learning styles of women, among other concepts, is an important instrument from which women learn to value themselves.
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