Gender Representation in Efl Distance Education Materials: Alpha University College's Year I English Modules in Focus
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Date
2006-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate if the distance education modules of
Alpha University.. College reveal any imbalance concerning gender
representation . An attempt is also made to identify the possible causes of
gender bias in the content of the modules. Besides, efforts are made to check
the accessibility of gender fair a lternatives .
Thc study employed the following research tools to achieve its objectives. First,
content analysis of the distance education modules is made to investigate
features of gender bias. Second, the subjects who produced and edited the
modules are interviewed. In doing so, the study compiled further information
and crosschecked the data ge n erated through content analysis.
The summary of the data obtained through the above research tools indicates
that th e r e is a significant differenc e between male and female sex
representation in both modules (i.e . intermediale wriLing skills and reading
skills) . It is also discovered that the module producer and editor have the
awareness of gender-fair linguistic features. But, they seem to be negligent to
convert existing wrong practices. On top of these, it is a ls o observed that the
sensitivity of the module producer and editor is not accompanied by
appropriate practice.
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Keywords
Gender Representation