Final answer:
Elementary-school boys might become more passive in their behavior as they are often rewarded for such behavior by teachers, who may praise them more than girls and allow them greater freedom in their conduct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on research, because teachers often reward passive behavior, elementary-school boys may be more likely to develop certain behaviors that align with this reinforcement. Studies suggest that teachers tend to praise male students more than female students, grant boys more opportunities to express their ideas, and interrupt girls more often. This has the potential effect of reinforcing a sense of competition rather than collaboration in the classroom. Additionally, boys might be given more leeway to break rules or commit minor acts of deviance while girls are expected to adhere strictly to rules and adopt more obedient roles. Such treatment may encourage boys to be more passive recipients of education rather than active seekers of knowledge, expecting rewards and benefits for conforming to the teacher's expectations rather than for showing initiative or creativity.