• You may have thought that everything that needed to be said about gender studies would've already been said, after Jonathan Dean's comment piece about the ex-student suing the LSE Gender Institute for discrimination ("Let's get this straight. Gender studies isn't about 'women good, men bad'") got 1,130 comments from Guardian readers. But it seems to be a topic that provokes heated responses anytime it's raised.
At the Guardian we like to give people the right to reply, and so Tom Martin, the ex-student in question, wrote a response to Dean: "You can't deny it. Gender studies is full of male-blaming bias". Martin says that research has found women verbalise four times more misandry than men do misogyny (unfortunately, he hasn't supplied a link to this research) and that decades of research shows women are more likely to initiate domestic violence. And then there's the fact that women live longer than men, on average.
Within hours his statements have attracted hundreds of responses.
• A less controversial – or, at least, a less polarising – subject is adult literacy. Independent charity The Reading Agency is calling for colleges, libraries, prisons and workplaces to reach out to less confident adult readers.
Launched in 2008, its annual Six Book Challenge encourages less confident readers to develop a new reading habit and improve their skills at the same time. Participants are invited to pick six reads of their choice and complete a reading diary in order to receive incentives along the way, a certificate and the chance to enter a national prize draw. Impact research has found that 94% of respondents felt a sense of achievement, 88% said they gained from the experience and 60% reported an improvement in their skills – a finding endorsed each year by tutors.
• Schoolchildren can boost their reading and mathematics levels when they tutor fellow pupils or are tutored by older pupils, according to new research led by Durham University. Results from a project run in 129 primary schools in Scotland, the largest ever trial of peer tutoring, show that children as young as seven to eight years old can benefit from a tutoring session as short as 20 minutes a week.
Education news from the Guardian
• No 10 proposes debate on reduction of school holidays and child benefit overhaul, according to leak.
• UK tuition fees are third highest in developed world, says OECD. Study of 42 countries also says UK failing to retain young in education, and may be overly concerned about class sizes.
• Science education "failing" pupils as field trips and experiments decline. MPs say ability to offer a good science education is damaged by lack of well-trained staff and perceived barriers to field work.
• Dorothy Bishop: A recent study on the cortisol levels of children who are cared for outside the home might be causing needless worry.
• Teaching unions reject call for more "flexible" working practices. Suggestion made in McCormac review met with scepticism, with one union saying report is "plain silly".
Education news from around the web
• As David Cameron announces that people whose lack of English language skills prevents them from getting a job could face losing their benefits, a major international study shows migrants are better qualified than workers born in the UK, with 34% of migrants in the UK having a post-school qualification, The Independent reports .
• More on gender issues: The BBC reports on a moving story of a 10-year-old boy with gender dysphoria – a condition where a person feels they are trapped in the wrong body – who returned to school dressed as a girl. Both the mother of the child and the school have been very supportive of the child's decision, though there have been incidents of name-calling both from parents and pupils. Hear an interview with the mother here.
Teacher seminars from the Guardian Education Centre
Reading for pleasure – bringing classics to life
This half-day conference for secondary school teachers will explore the use and teaching of classic books from Dickens and beyond. Keynote speakers will be Simon Callow, actor and Dickens enthusiast and Judy Golding, daughter of William Golding, author of Lord of the Flies.
20 October, London
Insight into digital journalism
Spend a day at the Guardian and find out how an international news media organisation works. The seminar will focus on aspects of digital journalism including writing and editing for a news website, the relationship between print and web journalism, live blogging, the use of social media, podcasting and video production.
2 November, Kings Place, London.
Highlights from the Guardian Education networks
Resources for Roald Dahl Day. It's 50 swishwiffling years since James and the Giant Peach was first published and to celebrate we have some fantastic resources on the Guardian Teacher Network. You can download everything needed to hold your very own splendiferous Peach Party here. The pack includes some really well thought-out and imaginative activities created by Puffin Books. The teachers' resource pack here is a treasure trove of ideas on how to "Teach the Peach", with tips on how to use the book to explore themes of friendship, nature and travel.
Careers talk podcast: A guide to work experience. We've got a selection of workie horror stories, survival strategies and insider advice from students and experts who know their placements.
How Twitter will revolutionise academic research and teaching. Social media is becoming increasingly important in teaching and research work but tutors must remember, it's a conversation not a lecture, says Ernesto Priego.
Education seminars from Guardian Professional
Making the most of media opportunities to enhance your school's profile
Whether it's sharing good news or handling a crisis, headteachers and school management teams need to be able to handle the media in all of its forms. This one-day seminar in association with the NAHT is essential for new and aspiring heads as well as established school leaders who wish to update their knowledge. It includes a session on social media.
20 September, London.
Using social media to enhance the student experience
As tuition fees rise, so too do student expectations. Social media is an effective, low-cost way to manage this challenge. This seminar will explore newly conceived best practice, techniques and strategy for all higher education staff: academic, communications, recruitment, marketing and strategy.
22 September, London.
Whether it's getting published, convincing an employer that you have transferable skills, or securing an academic post, you need to be fully prepared to achieve your goals. This course will help you identify career opportunities for those with research skills and specialist knowledge.
28 September, London.
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