From: Annie McDevitt
Submit: Post Field Note
VisitDate: 10/22/96
Date: 23 Oct 1996
Time: 21:29:50
Remote Name: octal-lab-mac12.ucsc.edu
Victor, 11yrs., Filogono, 9 yrs.
On MOnday at Barrios Unidos, I ws checking out some of the different programs, because I realized I didn't know too much about them. I was watching Victor play with the Lion King puzzles. He played for a while, then got bored and said he didn't want to play anymore. I said that was fine and then looked around to see if anyone looked like they might want something to do. I saw Filogono and asked if he wanted to play. I get along well with him and like to hang out with him because he's a hard worker and he helps me with my spanish. Anyway, he said he wanted to play the Lion King program. As we walked over, Victor came and sat down in front of the Lion King program. An argument ensued. Victor wanted to play now, but I had just told Filogono that he could. I tried to reason with Victor, but he wouldn't listen to me. Filogono looked upset. Victor wouldn't stop playing the game.
I finally got them to agree to share. When Victor was done with the puzzle, it was Filogono's turn. While Filogono played, Victor left to play on another computer til it was his turn. They didn't sit at the computer together.
This just made me think about how we've been talking in class about how boys tend to be more competitive than girls, and less likely to work collaboratively. I think that the girls who come are usually more cooperative, but I'm not sure. I'll have to try to observe this.
I wonder, if boys are more competitive, why is this? These are pretty young kids. Have they already been socialized into gender specific roles? Should we encourage the boys to work more collaboratively?