In my previous post Lessons in Absences: The Power and Importance of the Null Curriculum, I explained that there are three distinct subsections of curriculum: the null curriculum, the explicit curriculum, and finally the hidden curriculum. Since the explicit curriculum is simply what can be found in curriculum documents, and my last post was on null curriculum I thought that I would take the opportunity to take a look at hidden curriculum.
 |
| A brief explanation of what is learned through hidden curriculum and how some of these lessons are imparted (source) |
In retrospect I have learned a number of lessons from hidden curriculum throughout my educational experience. Some have been good things like learning to treat others with respect and being polite. Others have been things that were actually somewhat harmful, such as learning that it was considered inappropriate to like certain colors and toys, that marks were the only important thing in school, and that it is wrong to question what a teacher tells you.
 |
| Simplified depiction of the potential effects of Hidden Curriculum (source) |
Unfortunately, as is suggested in The Glossary of Education Reform, "The hidden curriculum is described as “hidden” because it is usually unacknowledged or unexamined by students, educators, and the wider community. And because the values and lessons reinforced by the hidden curriculum are often the accepted status quo, it may be assumed that these “hidden” practices and messages don’t need to change." As a future educator I will maintain awareness of both the dangers, and potential of the hidden curriculum, and attempt to ensure that any hidden curriculum in my classroom will have a positive effect on my students. In order to achieve this ends I will attempt to be aware of my own prejudices and either overcome them, or keep them separate from the classroom in order to avoid passing them on to students through the hidden curriculum.
A fun video from Youtube explaining hidden curriculum and some of its dangers (Source)
In closing, it is evident that the hidden curriculum is incredibly important to the educational process. In an increasingly more complex and diverse educational system it is increasingly important for all educators to critically examine the hidden curriculum in their own classroom and how it may affect their students. It is also vital for them to recognize that while the hidden curriculum is often unintentionally a powerful instrument of social reproduction, by being conscious of what hidden messages they are imparting to students the hidden curriculum can be used as a powerful instrument of social change.
Works Cited
"Hidden Curriculum." The Glossary of Education Reform. S. Abbot, 2014, August 26. Web. 2015-10-06.
"Hidden Curriculum in Education: Definition & Examples." Study.com. Stefani Boutelier. n.d. Web. 2015-10-06.
Duff,
ReplyDeleteOverall, your post is very well written and clearly thought out. Your knowledge and understanding of hidden curriculum is evident and I thought it was extremely creative that you were able to connect this post with your previous one. Making reference to previous posts is something I will consider when personally posting on my blog. I appreciate that you offered a personal experience with hidden curriculum. This caused me to stop and think about my own encounters throughout my educational journey. In addition, I thought you did an excellent job of mentioning how you will strive as an educator to maintain awareness of the potential dangers of the hidden curriculum. Becoming aware of our own prejudices and preconceptions will take time but is extremely important for facilitating a healthy learning environment. As per constructive criticism, I would have liked to read specific examples of how hidden curriculum can affect students in different contexts. For example, what messages can be found in the hidden curriculum in a math class versus a physical education class? How might the hidden curriculum during informal school occasions (i.e. a school assembly) impact students? Once again, your post was very visually appealing and I thought your video was an excellent way to add to your own perspective.
Good work!
Rachelle
Duff,
ReplyDeleteI think your post this week was an excellent continuation of your discussion about different aspects of the curriculum and how they impact students. I thought it was a great idea to discuss the hidden curriculum after you brought it up in your previous blog on the null curriculum, and your post made meaningful connections to what you discussed previously. Your post made me think about how I’ve learned from a hidden curriculum as a student, and how this will impact my teaching as well. Your blog had many insightful personal connections and your thoughts were well informed. I especially liked that you examined how curriculum is not inherently bad, and can teach students valuable lessons as well as some harmful values and practices. However, in future posts it might add additional depth to your discussion if you made deeper connections to what current research says about your topic. In the future, I think it would be really interesting to see a few more of your own ideas of how you will address the topic as a teacher. Regarding hidden curriculum, how would you go about critically teaching the hidden curriculum in your own classroom, and which values do you think would be beneficial to pass on to students? Once again, this post was extremely well organized, the visuals you used were informative and connected to your topic, and your writing style was both clear and passionate. Great work on this blog, and I look forward to your next post!
Duff,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog post this week, and getting a second look into the hidden curriculum, as it was the focus on my first blog. Your information and understanding of the hidden curriculum is very well put, and informative. Not only did you provide excellent descriptions of what a hidden curriculum is, but you also provided your own interpretations to the definitions to compare and contrast your own thoughts on its place in education. Furthermore, I thought it was important that you acknowledged that a hidden curriculum has both positive and negative attributes associated with it. It can often be a misconception that a hidden curriculum always implies negative connotations such as stereotyping and racism, but your inclusion of factors such as being polite and kindness were excellent examples of how it can be a good thing in education. This effectively demonstrated further by your own personal connections to the topic, including how you would watch out for them in your future career as an educator. Aesthetically, your post looks very pleasing, and the pictures and video tie in the post nicely. I also enjoyed how you continued chronologically from your last post, just as an educator may continue where a lesson leaves off. One thing I think might help with your post would be to address the audience when you begin your post. A blog is meant to be more than a lesson of facts, and should be a conversation, and by addressing fellow readers in your post, it would in my opinion give more life to the post, and create a more back and forth atmosphere. One question I will leave you to ponder with on this subject is, do you think the hidden curriculum could ever become only a positive educational factor by addressing all negative aspects of it, or will their always be inherent issues? Great post, and I can't wait for your next one!
Alex Graham
Can u give me the example of hidden Curriculum related to school ceremony, rituals and rule's and regulations
ReplyDelete