The Effect of Gender on the Patterns of Classroom Interaction

The objective of the present study is to explore the effect of gender on the patterns of classroom interactions between teachers and students in Iranian EFL classrooms. Twenty four classes were observed, recorded and the transcripts were produced. Frequency and percentage of discourse acts produced by male and female teachers on one hand, and male and female students on the other hand, were computed and compared with each other. Chi-square tests were run to diagnose the significant differences. According to the results of the study, although males and females shared some features, the patterns of teacher-student interactions were gender related. Female teachers were more interactive, supportive and patient with their students than male teachers. They asked more referential questions, gave more compliments and used less directive forms. On the other hand, the patterns of Student-Teacher Talk were also affected by the gender of students. While male students initiated more exchanges with their teachers, female students preferred to be addressed by their teachers. Male students also made more humor and gave more feedback to their teachers.