Gender Studies in Teacher Education: An Empirical Research


  •  A.M. Sultana    
  •  Ahmad Sohaimi bin Lazim    

Abstract

Gender studies is an interdisciplinary field of study which focuses the phenomenon of gender. The study of gender helps us to broaden our understanding of gender identity and culture, the intersection of gender with race and ethnicity, class and sexuality. Gender has become a very important word in discussions on development. From this approach, University Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has developed a module namely Gender Studies in Malaysia. Sultan Idris University of Education (UPSI) is a Public Institution of Higher Education (IPTA) which is basically an institution for school teacher. The article argued that this course has important impact on teacher education as they directly deal with human. The primary objective of this course is to provide knowledge and skills related to the concept and theories of gender and gender relation. The course is intended to enhance students understanding of gender from socio-cultural and religious perspective. This course also discusses how gender relations have influenced in the fields of international relations, international development, and education. Hence, this course plays an important role in the process of learning and developing human behaviour among the students at UPSI. Gender Studies has an important impact on the development of human behaviour among UPSI students as it expands knowledge and skills on gender issue. Although the course has an important aspect in the process of learning, there are obstacles behind of its full implementation. The article discusses problems and prospects of Gender Studies in the process of learning based on author’s own experience and preliminary investigation.


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