In a Different Voice

In Gilligan's In a Different Voice she discusses how many psychology models focus only on the male perspective. Unfortunately this shows women and girls that they are not the norm and if they cannot conform to the so called norm their must be something wrong with them. So how is this applicable in a classroom setting? Many female students are made to feel like they are beneath their male counterparts and that can set them up for failure. If the girls feel like they are already in a lower position they may lack self esteem and resist participation in class in  fear of embarrassment. They also may simply believe that they cannot do something because they have been told they cannot  and that can turn into them not trying because they think that they can't.
While do research for another class on women and psychology, I found that many women and girls believed that they did not believe they belonged in math. They were always taught that boys were better at math and science and that affected their self-esteem. I also found that until a couple of years ago it was found that many standardized tests in math used word problems and examples about things that typically interest boys, like sports and cars. many of the girls taking the test could not identify with the problem and in turn had difficulty solving the problem.
So I think it is important for teachers to make sure that their students know that they all can do it. They need to encourage every student despite their gender, race, or any other type of diversity. I also believe that teachers, especially in math, need to give examples and questions that everyone can relate to or at least a variety of different ones. it is extremely important to make sure everyone feels that they belong and can do anything.