What occurs when male and female teachers violate accepted conventions of the writing classroom by assuming untraditional roles? Numerous studies have shown that when people exhibit behavior contrary to the normal gender-based expectations, the results are less than positive. For the college professor who does not act according to the usual rituals of the classroom, the effect can be disconcerting and frustrating; both the student and the teacher may experience difficulties in interaction, communication, and collaboration. When male professors step out of their traditional and stereotypical roles and become more sensitive to student needs, a shift in classroom behavior occurs as students realize that "individuals do not always fit the patterns associated with their gender." Recent research supports three primary conclusions: male professors in this new role actually receive higher marks than female colleagues on being more "concerned" about students both inside and outside the classroom; because of differences in teaching style, male professors were more harshly criticized than female professors for not acting according to "sex-class linked" behavior; and overall teaching effectiveness was discerned as being inferior to similar courses taught by more traditional male professors. (Contains eight references; survey question with results is appended.) (Author/CR)