Examines the past 30 years of research on gender. Discusses lessons learned: to study difference in context, make real comparisons, look for similarities as well as differences, examine variation within as well as between groups, investigate exceptions, note failure to find effects, allow equifinality, and move beyond gender as a category per se. Illustrates how faculty can use these lessons as teachers and professionals. (Contains 76 references.) (Author/SV)