A theoretical point of view influences what the researcher sees and how it is interpreted. Just as our individual experiences influence our interpretations of events in our everyday lives, sociologists have several perspectives to help explain why things happen the way they do in society. Cite one theoretical approach in Sociology of Education and give an example from your school that fits that approach.(Remember to use APA citations where necessary)
Respond and comment on two of your colleagues' blogs.
Interaction and Interpretive Theories “Interaction rituals” hold societies together (Goffman, 1967). I believe this is an important sociological theory affecting society, because it looks at what teachers and students ‘do’ in schools. It focuses on individual’s interaction with each other. This theory focuses on two major aspects: the labeling theory and the rational choice theory. These two aspects are quite evident at my workplace. The reasons why these are evident are because at my particular school we have a positive action model in place. Within this model the students are able to receive merits (positive) or consequences (negative) for their actions in regards to individual interaction – a good deed to assist a fallen brother will result in a merit of being acknowledged. Whilst, on the other hand, labeling is evident as I encounter teachers referring to students as ‘nothing in life’. The teacher tends not to see the talent or uniqueness of the child. As the teacher tends to use the phrase so often the child eventually believes and starts displaying negative behavior not only towards the teacher but students as well. Thus, the behavior tends to continue throughout life.
Ralph Emerson stated "Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be". This emphasizes the interaction philosophy that children will respond to how they are treated. Students will respond to in a positive manner if they are treated in a positive way. This will allow students to excel both academically and the way they behave in class. The teacher is in control of the classroom and should always ensure that students are treated fairly, respect and encourage them to be the best they can be.
This theory must always be taken in consideration in classrooms. Students are greatly influenced by their teachers. So students will base their behavior on teacher's actions. If teachers are being encouraging and motivating students to learn, students will react positively. They will have respect and care for their teachers. Sometimes teachers forget their role and responsibility to these students which brings negative feedback from them so attention must always be given to ensure a conducive learning environment is always present.
Student's should never be labeled as 'nothing'. labeling children is wrong, because all children are gifted in their own way. Teachers like to use negative words as lazy, slow, bad etc. As teachers, we must find what excites our students and we should guide them to achieve more than they thought they could. A lot of teachers like to label their students as gifted, special needs, special education, behavior problem etc. which create the cage in which students are placed. In our society if it continues the students will fail or eventually drop out school. Our role is to help them to break free from those cages, discover their passion, and follow their bliss. I have yet to meet a child who doesn't have innate gifts, that is, passions and capacities he or she is uniquely able to bring to the world. Some of the most academically and socially challenged students I've met, also have some of the most stunning talents in music, visual arts etc., that teachers over look about their students. Imagine what your reaction would be if the principal informed you that the new student in your class is mildly mentally retarted, or he has some troubling behaviors. This happen a lot in the schools and need to be stop in order for students to progress and complete their education.
I concur Mr. Ortiz in that we dictate to some degree the mood of our classes and our students in that some don't know how to separate their personal life from their professional life. If we wake up in the morning and it seem as though all odds are against us it is up to us to change that and say "OK! I am going to be happy today" and no matter what I am going to make the best out of ever situation then and only then we can achieve this and this will transfer to our students who in turn may have been experiencing the same thing but different situation. So we can defuse situation by choosing not to engage in them or not have them occur at all by our actions.
This theory is very important especially when dealing with a child. No child should be labeled in the classroom but rather look at as the ones that need a little more help. A child is very naïve; they do what they see and believe what they hear. A child spends most of his or her time at school therefore the child will look up to the teacher. For a child to be hearing that he/she is dumb and will be ‘nothing in life’ then the child will grow to believe that that statement is true. The child will not get to explore his abilities due to the fact that the child was labeled in his/her childhood and will not want to try different or new things. Each child is gifted! They just unwrap their packages at different times. This is so true some students just need a little more time to get the concept being thought while for the others it comes easily.
I agree with Imam, this theory is very important when it deals with children and their education. Teachers should not label children. Each child has different abilities and they are capable of learning. They may just need that extra push from the teacher to motivate them making them want to learn. Teachers must bare in mind that they are the role models for these children and it's them who the students look up to.
I agree with Ms. Neal as we all are aware that being interactive with each other a wealth of knowledge can be exchanged as well through interaction I believe children learns better. This is something I believe society lacks and if it would be posible within society to interact with each other positively and not pointing finger at each other or labeling each other which can be very negative and can result in a negative behavior the society in which we live and our classrooms would be a much more positive one and will be proven to be much more successful. As positive actions leads to positive behaviors.
Functionalist Theory This theory argues that education serves many important functions in society. It also socializes children and prepare them for life in society. At my workplace it is done by teaching society culture, which include: moral values, religious beliefs, norms etc. One major factor at my present school that is a major problem is social control, or the regulation of deviant behavior. The abusive language and the skipping of school. Teachers are trying to deliver a lesson but are being challenged by students. It has become a great concern in terms of the factors affecting these behaviors. We also have instances of students bullying others and threatening teachers in the classrooms. It seems that schools are helpless regarding students with deviant behaviors and the educational authority does not have effective measures in place to deal with these problems. Some teachers attribute the above problem to teachers lacking the right to use physical punishment., as it is forbidden. According to James, 2001:24, students with deviant behavior mostly come from families with low social and economic statuses. I believe that parent-child attachment relationship may be correlated with these behaviors. If more parents at my workplace would let their children know right from wrong, teaching parental discipline, it would reduce their behavior. More teachers discipline can also help. Therefore if children and parents, and teachers develop good teacher-student relationships, deviant behavior at my school can significantly improved. Teachers will feel more at ease delivering a lesson normally without children misbehaving and more learning will take place.
In the functionalist theory, everyone works together to attain one goal, that goal being to educate the child. Our schools are a Microcosm of society,therefore, it is a reflection of the all the social ills that are happening in our society. However, if we all do our part and integrate the parents, teachers, administration and everyone involved to assist in the education process, we as teachers can be successful. The education of our students are our priority, our job, and our concern as they are the ones that are graduating and facing life's challenges. At no time do I believe teachers should be disrespectful, we are the adults in the classroom and the role models for our students
It's evident that students are not as dedicated and motivated as they should be in their studies. Few students do not need to be reminded about their responsibilities at school. When the other students complete an assignment or do well in tests, they behave as if though they did the teacher a favor by completing their tasks. I always find myself reminding students about the importance of education because too many of them believe they aren't capable of attaining a higher education even though they have the potential to make a positive difference. The schools do their best to keep these students in the education system to provide them with a secure future but without family support this won't be possible. The family plays the most important role in keeping students motivated to strive for excellence and not settle for anything less.
I echo the similar sentiments as my colleagues. I view this approach as experiences we all had at some point in our lives. Our very development was based on social interaction and our ability to develop these processes, that would aid us in our daily skills development.
I agree with shawn that education serves many important functions in society. The schools and teachers do their best to educate children and secure them with a bright future. However, some children push themselves to do well on assignments and test while other students show little interest in school work and it is challenging for teachers. I believe the cause of it is the lack of parental support. The parents, teachers and students need to have some level of communication in order for the students to be motivated and strive for excellence
Durkheim views on education as an entity creating social solidarity; education transmits cultures: share beliefs and values. In Belize, there's a saying that "it takes a village to raise a child", and this aligns directly with Durkheim's theory of functionalism. We see the value of each segment in society and how it correlates to the educational development of a child. In my school, this belief is evident; the mission is to offer holistic education, encompassing religious experiences for moral development, quality education with high academic standards, social and cultural awareness, and national responsibility. We incorporate teachers, parents, the public, and alumni to help the development of curriculum and to render an input in daily operations. We appreciate the value that each segment of society offers to the educational experience of our students, with the understanding that we are preparing our students to positively contribute to society. A school is an extended family that is aiding in the development of children; each member of the family plays a significant role, and at my school, our "village" is one big family.
I fully agree with you it use to take a village to raised a child but society has changed drastically. In these times children are having children and they are not taking the responsibility for t heir children. They are mature enough to know how to begin being a mother. Each culture has their own beliefs and values but the youths of today is not learning this and as a result its hard for the community to raised a child.Some children learn behavioral patterns and values due to loving teacher who love their profession. I believe that teachers should try their best to aid in the change in our society today.
I completely agree with what sir is saying, a school plays the part of an extended family for our children and is their second home and the necessary values needed within life being reinforced at home continues here. As also what sir states it does not only takes the parent and the child to create all possibilities but each member within the circle or I should say the triangle plays an important role in the life of our children. As teachers we are also look upon as role models for these children entrusted within our care and our school is the environment they are in everyday so I believe it does takes an entire community to raise a child
A theoretical approach in the sociology of education that I would like to discuss is the Functionalist Theory. According to Ballantine and Hammock (2001), “Each part of the society’s system – family, education, religion, politics, and economics, health care – plays a role in the total working society.” (p. 11). So without the support from these different parts, the system won’t be able to function effectively. These parts must take education as being important and beneficial for it is an investment in our human capital in our country. Our children are put into our education system to ensure they have the necessary skills, values and attitudes to make a positive difference in the development of the country.
A situation using my school as an example would be the family role in the education system. Teachers and administration try to work closely with students that are not performing well in their academics or misbehaving. It becomes more of a challenge to us when we don’t have the support of the family from these children that need it the most. Their parents/guardians are seldom present or absent when meetings are organized or when reports are being issued. We don’t get the opportunity to express our concerns or issues. Then, when we do get the opportunity to meet with them and discuss the students’ academic performance or behavior they would show no interest or create an excuse to end the conversation. At the end of the year, these students would need to repeat or are asked not to return. It is evident that if the family role is not functioning in society then education will more than likely fail which in return creates an unstable society. This would answer the question from the video, “what is missing that is keeping the society apart?”
Students that do have the family support produce social control (having students in schools rather than streets), stability (moral values and ethics) and productivity (skilled and career-oriented). This shows that when all institutions are functioning properly and together, this will promote social unity and contribute to positive development. This would answer the question from the video, “what keeps the society together?”
As an educator, family participation must be present to be able to maximize on my students’ learning. So I ask myself what I can do to promote this. I found an interesting article online on how family should not be involved but engaged in school activities. I recommend you guys to go ahead and read the article whether you agree or disagree. The link is: http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/may11/vol68/num08/Involvement-or-Engagement%C2%A2.aspx
References Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis (Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
It is evident that more family participation must be present to be able to maximize students learning. When parents , families are involved with schools, all children benefit and they make a difference in their children's academic achievement. Teachers and administration try to reach out to these parents by having workshops and meeting, but parents are always finding excuses to attend. It's up to the teachers and administrators to make parents feel like part of the team. They can probably increase parent involvement by calling the parents, or e-mail them. In that way teachers can talk to them and teach parents how to help their child and how to support education. Parents need to stop rely on the teachers and know what their responsibility as a parent is.
I agree more family interaction is integral for development of a child. Whats more alarming in our society today is the level of violence and crimes in Urban and surges or rises in Rural area. I've devised a hypothesis that because of the lack of personal ability to try to strive for development, persons are incapable of discourse ethics because of lack of personal will. Just a thought to ponder, In my attempts to access the posting of this comment the program attempted to decipher if i a BOBOT, in all slang talk, (that funny me), but then it had me thinking, being dependent of technology has its perks but also the downfall is the deprivation of the ole hand shake, or the kiss on the cheek, or even a mean grungy (Get outa mi face) greeting, ore Belizeans are utilizing the technological ear as the Millennials rise to create new history in Belize and new takings. Spoken like a member of the REVOLUTION, more better A BELIZEAN EDUCATIONAL REVOLUTION! Punto Final.
“Each part of the society’s system – family, education, religion, politics, and economics, health care – plays a role in the total working society.” Ballantine and Hammock (2001), In other words society is perceived to be just as the human body, without one part of the body working it cannot function as a whole. As stated before in order for society to work as a whole it needs the "family" which helps society because if the family itself is functional then there would be more love which would then cause a caring society but if the families are dysfunctional, where there is no love, care and guidance, then our society would be of much chaos. The society also needs education to function as a whole. I believe that education and politics/ government go hand in hand to server each other. This is because if the government provides education for the children of the family then they will grow up to have good jobs which in turn they will pay taxes which the country depends on to keep itself functioning. If there is no religion then there will be no believes and people act according to their ideology (belief system). If all the mentioned parts do not play their role in the society then there would be a dysfunctional society.
Using this same functionalist theory and applying it to the school system, whereby the child will act as the society, there factors that needs to be present in order for the child to excel. Education is a triangle which includes the parents, the teachers and the students. Education works effective only when all sides of the triangle are together. If one side of the triangle is separated from another, there will be just a bunch of lines that resemble nothing. Therefore there must be communication within the triangle. The parent need to communicate to teacher, the teachers need to communicate with the students etc. There must be a level of communication and participation in order for the education of the child being effective and of the best. If the child gets the support of the teachers and parents while being self-motivated then the child in turn will be stable and productive citizen giving back to society.
I strongly agree with what is being said Alexis that each individual need to realize their role in the success of a child. Th parents in playing their part giving support-helping with assignments, getting a tutor if necessary, providing finance an as well just being their to check up on what is happening with the child. The teachers role- ensuring that the child is grasping concepts, in communication with parents in regards to child progress, continuous motivation, etc. Lastly, the child role- to own his/her education, put in the necessary work and effort to be successful, ask questions and demand feedback.
I agree with what Alexis is saying for several reasons. Firstly, the different parts of society needs to functional so that children are successful in life. If the teachers are putting in their work and then the child goes home and gets no parental support with assignments then the child will be struggling to some extent. Parents, students, teacher relationship is vital when it comes to the development of children. Furthermore, teachers need to work with their administrators,church, local and general managers to make sure their is a relationship for the benefit of all. Whenever, all parts of the society are not functioning then it creates a conflict. Therefore all the parts must be actively working to make education better for the children.
The theoretical approach in Sociology of education that I would like to discuss is one of the Interaction Theories: the labeling theory to be specifies- which speaks of individual's formulation of their sense of 'self'', that is developed through their interaction in school and may affect their sense of self. (Ballentine and Spade, 2011) Whereby take for example the school at which I teach Maud Williams High School it is seen or viewed by many as as being a ghetto, last chance or school for rejects. So what does that tell the students who attend? I believe that question can be easily answered by those who stereotype or label the school. It is things like these that cause our society to be the way it is today in that some members of society continue to in still in our youths that they are dumb and will amount to nothing an eventually they believe it and sad to say that is why we continue to have crimes. In that if our youths are not giving a chance to be productive in school then they will be destructive in society. So with that in mind we need to make a change and start to mold the minds of our youths so as to have them develop a sense of self worth and believe that they are competent enough to attend school and obtain an education or degree thus moving on to greater things and becoming productive members of society. Thus this could be achieved by the society at large changing their mind set to being more positive and stop sensationalizing the negative activities of members of the school and instead highlighting the good that the mission of the school is realizing.
Nelson Mandela once quoted, "I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities." When looking at this theory I could relate to what Ms. Martin mentioned about her school. I am a proud graduate of Maud Williams High School but most individuals view that school as nothing; like its beneath all the schools. I could recall one day I was waiting for bus at pound yard while wearing my uniform and students and teachers from other high school looked at me laughed and said ," that's a real ghetto school and all there children are never gonna be anything in life." The comments passed had an effect on me but it gave me motivation to prove them wrong. This labeling and stereotyping does not determine how good the school or anyone is. Therefore, society needs to have their mind set towards positive things and not negatives.
As i mentioned in my discussion of the Social Conflict theory, society seeks to place us in groupings that limit our choices and that to a great extent decides our faith. We can see that this conventional process of placements has had its fair share of negative effect within the classrooms. Society has always dictated who will be successful in our society. I don’t believe that any man chooses to be poor; rather, that person makes the most rational decisions within the confines of societal limitations placed on them. The idea of a free society is lost on our Belizean Society because we refuse to accept anything other than the norms of society or what is handed down to us as conventionally fitting to do. This is the reason that the minority of "haves” control society; while, the majority of “have not” are left to feel the brunt of social inequality (Ballantine & Hammack 2012). Bob Marley said to “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery” (Redemption Song). This is truly a powerful and redeeming quote that we need to start singing in the ears of our children if we want to see change in such as fragmented Belizean society.
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis (Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
I must agree with Ms. Denise. I also teach at a school which is been labeled to be a failing system. with so many criticism and malicious act from some teachers and parents I sometimes wonder how the students survive the environment. Many outsiders tend to use destroying words towards the school but fail to realize that only the students are suffering, not them and not the teachers. Our children education system in in a failing crisis because everything inside the system is been labeled and pointed at. instead most managing authority tend to carry on with their lives and point figure at each other. Ms. Denise is right when she refer to her work place because as an outsider I hear things and its the same that other outsiders hear about my workplace. I surely concur with her.
Functionalist Theory In the functionalist theory, education of our students is our concern and priority. According to Jeanne H. Ballantine, Floyd M. Hammack (7th Edition) " Each part of the society's system- religion, family, education- plays an important role." In my school this belief is evident, we incorporate religious belief, moral values and quality education. The schools and teachers do their best to educate children and secure them with a bright future but we lack parental support. I believe parental support is an important factor in a child's life. They need that parental support in order for them to be motivated and excel as they further their education. It becomes challenging for the teachers when the students have problem and issues, whether behavioral or academic problems, which needs to be discuss and they are not around. The few parents that are around show little or no interest. The parent , teachers and students must have some level of communication in order for the students to stay motivated and become productive citizens who positively contribute to the society
A society with its various elements out of balance is a loss cause. The same can be said for any educational institution whose students lack the proper parental support. Parents are the first teachers of the child; hence, they play a major role in their child's educational, social, behavioural and occupational success. Furthermore, parents are the child's first source of motivation and children will learn how they are to behave and what is expected of them by replicating their parents. Lack of interest by parents more than likely will reflect lack of motivation by students and this in turn will reflect negatively on the child’s overall performance and the child will eventually drop out of school.
I chose to write on this theory because I believe it is relevant to Belizean society and we can see its impact on our educational institutions. I am not a teacher but I my prior and present experience with the education system and institution has shown me the various conflicting elements within the education institution that can either lead to its success or demise. We can look at the struggle between child and adult, upper division children and lower division children, parents and teachers, teachers and administration, males and females as well the rich and the poor. In each grouping we can classify one of the pairs as the “have” and the other as the “have not” (Ballantine & Hammack 2012). According to Ballantine & Hammack (2009) school is an agent of social inequality being that it promotes the used of standardized test and “hidden curriculum”. One particular practice that I believe promoted social inequality at the primary school I attended is the system of grouping students into classes such as A class, B class and C class. Please be mindful that A class was to reflect the group of students most likely to excel and C class was to represent the group of students most likely to fail. I attended Wesley Primary school and I was placed for the majority of my time at primary school at the C class level and near my final years I moved up to B class. Initially, I thought what I believe every other student in my C class thought; that I was a failure. I began hanging out with the other children from my class that would take part in mischievous activities and as a result I was always being sent to the principal’s office. At home I had a lot of motivation to do well in school but my mind set was chosen for me when I realized I was not good enough to be placed in the A class. I often envied the students of that class and sometimes commented that, “they are not that smart”. Calling myself a failure was not a product of low-self-esteem; rather, it was a product of the traditional school practices of selection that result in social inequality and poor self-esteem. This example is one of many that cause conflict with in schools and it is found in all schools whether government funded or privately funded. It is not always the case that what is chosen for us what is always best for us and the only person that can truly know that is ourselves. Societal institutions all seek to place us where they think we best fit but in an effort to organize society they judge us unfairly by our socio-economic backgrounds, our gender, our religion, our age and this creates a conflict when we choose to fight back.
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis (Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
A powerful statement indeed: parents, teachers and students must have some level of communication in order for the students to stay motivated and become productive citizens who can positively contribute to the society. Many parents believe that the teacher alone should mold a child however, I believe all of us have a significant role and responsibility in order to shape and mold these students. Parents set the foundation to mold the students, then the teacher as the child learns and motivate him or herself. Nonetheless, I believe with this three way fold the child will become so knowledgeable with spiritual values as well as academic competency that he or she will be a successful contributor to society and be able to function effectively in society.
as I read this I honestly understand where you are coming from the streaming system to me was not fair it really promotes inequality and influence good students to become bad mainly because of the need to try to fit in. students who were placed in the C and D classes were not only because they were as we call it academically challenge but those were the students who had behavior problems. now if a child is learning at a slower pace and is sent in a class where student have behavior problems that child is being deprive of their education simply because the there will be spending most of her time disciplining the students rather than teaching. A child needs to be in an environment that helps them grow and be the best they can be. Teachers create the problems we are seeing now not everyone can climb out of that situation and still do positive things congrats to you miss and continue the battle.
The theoretical approach in Sociology of Education that I will be discussing is the Functionalist Theory. This theory has a lot to do with society functioning together. In accordance to Ballantine and Hammock (2001), “Each part of the society’s system – family, education, religion, politics, and economics, health care – plays a role in the total working society.” (p. 11). In the event that each part of society does not operate together then it creates a problem. The support is vital from all the different parts and hence the reason if that support is given, society will function properly and the results will be effective. An example from my school that fits this theoretical approach is that most of the times we do not get parental support. As a small staff we try to work together with our management, parents, and students. Most of the times we send out letters informing parents about matters to be discuss their child’s performance, fees, and other school related matters. The teacher students relationship is there but when it comes to having 90% of the parental support that is where the problem comes in. Parental involvement in my school is always something that we are working on. However, when parents fail to attend meetings or sessions we personally go out and visit them. These visits allow them to know where their child stands in terms of academics. I find this very effective because we find out what is the problem as to why parents are not coming to school to check on their children. In doing so, we create a relationship with parents/guardians because we are all looking at the development of our children. In the event that we are unable to go on visits, we ensure that in each child’s class records there are contact numbers for their parents. A few times we would contact the parent or a family member and inform them that we need to see the parent. With this changing society and a lot technology, I personally email the parents that have an email about their child’s progress in my class. For some of the teachers at my school, they would send text messages and hence the reason why we have a close relationship with our students and parents. So, in reality the functionalist theory relates to the example that I have given thus far. Each part of the society is working together to make our family, community, and country a better place for everyone.
References Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis (Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Angelita, I absolutely support this approach. It is important to develop good relationship with parents and students. We could apply these practices at our school as well. I do communicate with some parent through text and telephone calls but they are the ones who have interest in their child/children performance and attend meetings. The unfortunate thing is that most of the time the parents you want to see are usually the ones who don't come to meetings and show very little interest. We send notes to parents, but discovered that students don't deliver them, especially if the meeting is about performance report. We also have parents who just stop in to check up on their children and I always thank them for doing so. I will suggest visiting parents to my manager. Thanks for sharing
I agree with you Angelita, Everyone has a role to play in students life, the family, the education system, religion, government even health care workers all help in molding our children. Parents/Guardian and teachers play a significant role in students life. So when these students have the support from family and the education system we will definitely be able to see a difference in the child and their performance at school. It is the first time I am hearing teachers and administrator taking the time out to visit parents to enlighten them about their child's behavior and academics. I think its a great idea and more schools should adapt to that idea.
Maturationism is an early childhood educational philosophy asserting the child as a growing organism in which knowledge exists similar to previous knowledge in a lesson. Based on Arnold Gessell’s work, maturationists believe “genetic factors play a larger role in development than environmental ones” (Maturationist, 2005). The biological process of development is the maturing of predictable stages and programmed patterns of behavior. The child is expected to acquire knowledge “naturally and automatically” from external sources only as maturation creates a readiness for it (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory [NCREL], 2004).
The maturationist teacher functions primarily as an observer to determine signs of development and as a provider of an environment that places few demands on the child (Hand and Nourot, 1999). “The role of education is to passively support this growth rather than actively fill the child with information” and expectations (Maturationist, 2005). As such, maturationists believe in providing children with rote memorization tasks and additional time to mature rather than providing them guidance, problem solving techniques, and reinforcement.
In realising all this as a reality we all experience in Belize we should become more sensitive to the thought of multi cultural dynamics in its entirety. We also must note that further research must be conducted in country Belize amongst other Caribbean islands are considered data poor region, we as the melenail child must continue critical research
I must say that i agree with my colleague Stephen. Some educators tend to force information and give students all the details for every topic. I tend to disagree with the (Maturationist, 2005) which states that children should be train to rote memorization task and additional time to mature. From my experience inside the classroom i believe that children should be guided in their learning to discover concepts through guidance from their teacher. Especially in mathematics. children learn through different learning styles. I strongly agree with students learning through discovery rather than memorization rote.
The functionalist Theory speaks of all stakeholders playing and important role in the education process of our children to make the system a success. According to Ballantine and Hammock (2001) the stakeholders are define as the churches, state, parents, children, businesses, elders, politicians and our neighboring communities. without the support of all these stakeholders our children education is at risk and it becomes more challenging for students to develop their basic skills, attitude and values that they need to function as being respectable citizen for their own country.
bring an educator and having the experience to work with children, I realized and understand that we all plays important roles in education especially the parents and teacher, because students look up to us as role models for their lives. without support from all stakeholders we are failing our children.
To educate is not about the teacher teaching the students everything they need to learn by forcing information in them. learning is about what the Functionalist Theory speaks about, we all corporate for success.
References Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis
As the old saying states, "United we stand, divided we fall" (Dickinson, 1799), hence this clearly show us that as a nation we must and should work together for the greater good of our children. By being united and educating our students they will be able to develop the necessary skills and ability to become productive citizens of this nation. Therefore, they will able to use their abilities and know how in assisting our nation to grow and develop and eventually one day become a nation to feed its own. So, I must agree that the functionalist theory will only be effective if we unite as one to achieve our one common goal through the power of education and learning experiences.
I concur with you miss I remember this old say that said “it takes a village to raise a child" a lot of the blame has been place on teachers lately. We don't look at the parents and their responsibility to the students. Teachers are only part of the equation. Education is not just learning a little bit of ABC or 123. Teachers are given students with all different kinds of learning disabilities. More over the number of teacher to students is not realistic. Schools who advocate that parents take more time in their student/child's live are usually the schools who achieve high. Teachers are usually the people who take the blunt of the blame for a child failure but I believe that if the parents and the community get together and assist in helping our children them we will always have the same problems. Idiocy is doing the same thing the same way and expecting a different result.
I totally agree with you Kendra. We all play a major role in the development of our Children, who will later run our country. As teachers/instructors we need to be supportive towards our students and guide them down the path to success. Having the support of parents and other stakeholders makes the process a lot more effective.
According to Blumer, H. (1969) the symbolic interaction view of education focuses on interactions during the schooling process and the outcomes of those interactions. For instance, interactions between students and teachers can create expectations on both parts. The teacher begins to expect certain behaviors from students, which in turn can actually create that very behavior. This is called the “teacher expectancy effect.” For example, if a White teacher expects a black student to perform below average on a math test when compared to White students, over time the teacher may act in ways that encourage the black students to get below average math scores. I see this as a true statement in my school. Teachers label students as being slow or having behavior problems. They tell some students some mean things and would label students all the way thru school. teachers are not aware of the power that their words have on students and say some mean things which these students take with them in life I honest can say that a teacher who tells a child that he won’t succeed impacts that child and in turn make that student don't even want to try. Teachers who motivate a child and let them know that they can learn but at a different pace often are the teachers who are remembered and in turn create students who turn out to be productive. To a child words are not like winds. A child will always want to be the best or be good at something however because of teacher’s action WE make them the best at being BAD. Food for thought. Blumer, H. (1969) Symbolic Interactionism; Perspective and Method. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall
I fully agree with you Ryan, teachers are some of the very first role models in students life and they play a big role in their students life. It is true that teachers bring down students by name calling and having children believe they are worth nothing. What ever a teacher tells a student stays with him/her for life. Therefore it is best that teachers learn to be positive and say positive things to students and in return it will show like what you said " students will turn out to be more productive".
Ryan I agree with you, some teachers often inflict scars on students without aware of doing so. Children are scar not only physically but also emotionally. This is the part of a child a teacher can't see. Teachers uses verbal abuse on students and many time these students live up to their names. If teachers would set high expectation for their students they will live up to the expectation. If teachers are roll models, then what are teachers illustrating when they are calling student names. Teachers need to put themselves in the shoe of a child or even think of his or her child's teacher telling the his or her child hurtful words. Teachers set the example for their students and children learn from what they see.
I like both the feminist and Interaction and Interpretive theory, however I will focus on the Interaction and Interpretive theories, which I can relate to at my Institution. The interactive theory is absolutely important because if focuses on what teacher and students do in the school. We must realize that student spend most of their time in the class room, so the interaction that occurs in the learning environment can impact students’ lives significantly. The interaction spans even further, whereby student interacts with peer and teachers interacts with principal. During these interaction teachers need to be mindful of message we might send across to students, sometimes student can lose respect and get too familiar based on what they hear or see. We should always be positive role models to our students. It is important for teachers to refrain from entertaining students with negative remarks about other teachers, peers or principal. Teachers and principal should develop good relationships so student can observe unity and cooperation among staff. That will encourage them to want to do the same with peers. The Interaction and interpretive theory also focuses on labeling. We should never label and discriminate against student no matter what. Some student are already coming out of challenging or abusive environment, labeling them will be more detrimental to their development. I have seen situation at my institutions where some students are famous for having behavioral issues and often get duties assigned to them. These students sometimes feel like they are being targeted. As instructor we should not hold malice with students because of negative experiences. I have observe that some student behavior a results from personal problem they are facing, I often encourage these student to see the councilor, which usually results in positive changes. At our intuitions we have a lot of interaction with student both inside and outside the classroom. We always chat and sit with them at the benches during break time. We interact during club meeting, we play sports with them, and even supervise sports. In the classroom they are guided closely when performing tasks. As a teacher we should approach student calmly and talk to them without making judgment and labeling. “The image that is reflected back to someone….can begin to mold one’s sense of competence, intelligence and likeability” (Ballantine and Spade, 2011). No matter how upset we might get with student we should never tell them they won’t amount to anything or let them feel like that are incapable or not good enough, because they will eventually believe that. Educator should always give positive and encouraging feedback to students. When we label them, they think we don’t care for them and don’t like them. Rational choice looks at cost and rewards involving one’s interaction. Teachers need to acknowledge, reward and complement students on good performance. When student do or say nice things I always compliment them and encourage them to keep doing good. I also applaud and encourage my student to applaud good behavior and participation in class.
Conflict Theory This theory believes that society is full of social groups with different aspirations, different access to life changes and gain different social rewards. Relations in society, in the view, are mainly based on exploitation, oppression, domination and subordination. Some conflict theorists like Max Weber (1864-1920) believe education is controlled by the state which is controlled by the powerful, and its purpose is to reproduce existing inequalities, as well as legitimize ‘acceptable’ ideas which actual work to reinforce the privilege positions of the dominant group. Education archives its purpose by maintaining the status quo, where lower – class children become lower class adults and middle and upper- class children become middle and upper-class adults. Mclead argues that teachers treat lower-class kids like less competent students, placing them in lower “tracks” because they have generally had fewer opportunities to develop language, critical thinking and social skills prior to entering school than middle and upper class kids. In many schools today I can observe that the less privilege student “have not” they are not treated fairly, they tend to have the least say in anything and majority of the time they are placed in classes such as ‘C’ class. It is very unfortunate for these students to be treated as such when it is not their error the situation they are placed in. Because they are so use to being placed as the “least” they start behaving as such. Many of time teachers do not want these students in their class rooms because majority of the time these students are slow learners and the simple fact is that teachers do not take the time to assist the student of different learning abilities.
Jeanne H. Ballantine and Joan Z Spad (ED) Schools and society: A Sociological approach to education, 3rd Edition, Sase publications India Pvt Ltd 2008.
Interaction and Interpretive Theories This approach focuses on interactions between groups – peers, teacher-student, teacher-principal,etc. Two interaction theories are of great importance are labeling theory and exchange theory or choice theory. The labeling theory is concerned with how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. If a child is repeatedly told that s/he is stupid or lazy, s/he will make the ‘label’ a part of her/his self concept and behave accordingly. Students almost always fulfill teachers’ expectations. So teachers should always set high expectation for the students in their class. Exchange or choice theory emphasizes the idea that social action. The theory of exchange predicts that people will make choices with the intention of maximizing benefits based on the assumption that there are costs and rewards involved in our interactions. These aspects are evident at my school. At my elementary school we have participated in a positive action program, which my classroom was used as the model classroom. However, this have not put a stop to labeling children as recently t meet a teacher had called a child "cockeye." That child went home and told her parent. As teachers we should be careful of the words we use and in what context we use them. According to (Griffin, 1997) "what" is actually said, while relationship is "how" it is said. So in other teachers must be mindful of what they say and how they say things. As teachers we should have the children best interest in out thoughts and ensure that we think before we speak and making any irrational choices that will harm any student or self. It is important to remember why we chose the profession and work to the best of our abilities to impart knowledge to the future generation of the children. The children are our future we must do the right things as we are the roll models for children it begin with us as teachers. I believe if we work together we will move forward together.
I really like this comment because the labelling theory occurs regularly in the classroom and teachers totally miss the fact that once a child is constantly being negatively referred to he or she starts believing it. For example, I once had a student in my infant two class who was struggling with reading and all she heard at home was "You can't read." That simple statement had a lit if psychological effect on that child. It did not matter at that point whether she tried or not because as far as she.knew, she would never get it. However, when she was assessed and analysed, I realized what the problem was and dealt with it to my fullest capacity. One teacher can make a difference in many lives.
According to Weber's contribution to the sociology of education ( (Max Weber 1864-1920) power relationships between groups form basic structure of societies and that a person's status identifies their position in the group. This brand of the conflict theory proves that education is used as one's mean to attain desired ends. This theory relates to the classroom setting in the sense that the people within the school I teach are sometimes seen as the "insiders." Their status culture is reinforced through the school experience (Max Weber 1864-1920). Whereas those who might be less wealthy are seen as the "outsiders" who face the barriers to succeed in school. However, it can also be looked at through the spectrum that the "insiders" can very well be those children who learn at a faster rate. The "outsiders" then become those who are struggling or less intelligible than the rest. Stockmeyer (1919) discussed with the ministry of education the aim of finding a legal structure that would allow for an independent school. He was given the task of finding teachers as a foundation for the future school. (Molt, Steiner, Stockmeyer 1919). He was concerned with instilling pedagogy to enhance training for success in students. Weber would merge these two by describing it as saying that there are many I interactions in classroom dynamics. However,the main idea I am pushing is that teachers must have knowledge of dealing with individual learning needs in pedagogy and psychology. All of these areas aid in making the classroom setting a whole heap of fun, engagement and learning.
I believe in my point of view, positivity is the most important theory to society. Positivity plays a very important role in whatever we do and say and wherever we go especially within our classroom environment. Both in the classroom and in society, if children grows up experiencing positivity and learns through the medium of positivity and engaging in positive activity then more than likely our children will grow up into being someone positive both in actions and words as children lives what they see. As experienced within the classrooms at our school working with what we refer to as "challenging students" despite their negative behaviors, being positive towards these students will create real values and will help to build their skills. This will eventually curb the behavior as these positive skill building will last longer than just a mild hug or a simple smile but for a lifetime. When our students experience positive emotions such as joy, love, happiness and contentment, it creates more possibilities and capabilities among our children and in the society in which they live. Positivity also builds within our children the necessary skills needed in life such as their physical skills meaning the ability to play with each other, their social skills which is the ability to explore and examine their environment and the world around them in which they live, and their creative skills which are useful and valuable within their everyday life. Positivity opens our children's mind to a whole lot of possibilities as Fedrickson refers to this theory as the "broaden and build" theory.
Interaction and Interpretive Theories
ReplyDelete“Interaction rituals” hold societies together (Goffman, 1967). I believe this is an important sociological theory affecting society, because it looks at what teachers and students ‘do’ in schools. It focuses on individual’s interaction with each other.
This theory focuses on two major aspects: the labeling theory and the rational choice theory. These two aspects are quite evident at my workplace. The reasons why these are evident are because at my particular school we have a positive action model in place. Within this model the students are able to receive merits (positive) or consequences (negative) for their actions in regards to individual interaction – a good deed to assist a fallen brother will result in a merit of being acknowledged. Whilst, on the other hand, labeling is evident as I encounter teachers referring to students as ‘nothing in life’. The teacher tends not to see the talent or uniqueness of the child. As the teacher tends to use the phrase so often the child eventually believes and starts displaying negative behavior not only towards the teacher but students as well. Thus, the behavior tends to continue throughout life.
Ralph Emerson stated "Treat a man as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a man as he could be, and he will become what he should be". This emphasizes the interaction philosophy that children will respond to how they are treated. Students will respond to in a positive manner if they are treated in a positive way. This will allow students to excel both academically and the way they behave in class. The teacher is in control of the classroom and should always ensure that students are treated fairly, respect and encourage them to be the best they can be.
DeleteThis theory must always be taken in consideration in classrooms. Students are greatly influenced by their teachers. So students will base their behavior on teacher's actions. If teachers are being encouraging and motivating students to learn, students will react positively. They will have respect and care for their teachers. Sometimes teachers forget their role and responsibility to these students which brings negative feedback from them so attention must always be given to ensure a conducive learning environment is always present.
DeleteStudent's should never be labeled as 'nothing'. labeling children is wrong, because all children are gifted in their own way. Teachers like to use negative words as lazy, slow, bad etc.
DeleteAs teachers, we must find what excites our students and we should guide them to achieve more than they thought they could. A lot of teachers like to label their students as gifted, special needs, special education, behavior problem etc. which create the cage in which students are placed. In our society if it continues the students will fail or eventually drop out school.
Our role is to help them to break free from those cages, discover their passion, and follow their bliss. I have yet to meet a child who doesn't have innate gifts, that is, passions and capacities he or she is uniquely able to bring to the world. Some of the most academically and socially challenged students I've met, also have some of the most stunning talents in music, visual arts etc., that teachers over look about their students. Imagine what your reaction would be if the principal informed you that the new student in your class is mildly mentally retarted, or he has some troubling behaviors. This happen a lot in the schools and need to be stop in order for students to progress and complete their education.
I concur Mr. Ortiz in that we dictate to some degree the mood of our classes and our students in that some don't know how to separate their personal life from their professional life. If we wake up in the morning and it seem as though all odds are against us it is up to us to change that and say "OK! I am going to be happy today" and no matter what I am going to make the best out of ever situation then and only then we can achieve this and this will transfer to our students who in turn may have been experiencing the same thing but different situation. So we can defuse situation by choosing not to engage in them or not have them occur at all by our actions.
DeleteThis theory is very important especially when dealing with a child. No child should be labeled in the classroom but rather look at as the ones that need a little more help. A child is very naïve; they do what they see and believe what they hear. A child spends most of his or her time at school therefore the child will look up to the teacher. For a child to be hearing that he/she is dumb and will be ‘nothing in life’ then the child will grow to believe that that statement is true. The child will not get to explore his abilities due to the fact that the child was labeled in his/her childhood and will not want to try different or new things. Each child is gifted! They just unwrap their packages at different times. This is so true some students just need a little more time to get the concept being thought while for the others it comes easily.
DeleteI agree with Imam, this theory is very important when it deals with children and their education. Teachers should not label children. Each child has different abilities and they are capable of learning. They may just need that extra push from the teacher to motivate them making them want to learn. Teachers must bare in mind that they are the role models for these children and it's them who the students look up to.
DeleteI agree with Ms. Neal as we all are aware that being interactive with each other a wealth of knowledge can be exchanged as well through interaction I believe children learns better. This is something I believe society lacks and if it would be posible within society to interact with each other positively and not pointing finger at each other or labeling each other which can be very negative and can result in a negative behavior the society in which we live and our classrooms would be a much more positive one and will be proven to be much more successful. As positive actions leads to positive behaviors.
DeleteFunctionalist Theory
ReplyDeleteThis theory argues that education serves many important functions in society. It also socializes children and prepare them for life in society. At my workplace it is done by teaching society culture, which include: moral values, religious beliefs, norms etc.
One major factor at my present school that is a major problem is social control, or the regulation of deviant behavior. The abusive language and the skipping of school. Teachers are trying to deliver a lesson but are being challenged by students. It has become a great concern in terms of the factors affecting these behaviors.
We also have instances of students bullying others and threatening teachers in the classrooms. It seems that schools are helpless regarding students with deviant behaviors and the educational authority does not have effective measures in place to deal with these problems. Some teachers attribute the above problem to teachers lacking the right to use physical punishment., as it is forbidden.
According to James, 2001:24, students with deviant behavior mostly come from families with low social and economic statuses. I believe that parent-child attachment relationship may be correlated with these behaviors. If more parents at my workplace would let their children know right from wrong, teaching parental discipline, it would reduce their behavior. More teachers discipline can also help. Therefore if children and parents, and teachers develop good teacher-student relationships, deviant behavior at my school can significantly improved. Teachers will feel more at ease delivering a lesson normally without children misbehaving and more learning will take place.
In the functionalist theory, everyone works together to attain one goal, that goal being to educate the child. Our schools are a Microcosm of society,therefore, it is a reflection of the all the social ills that are happening in our society. However, if we all do our part and integrate the parents, teachers, administration and everyone involved to assist in the education process, we as teachers can be successful. The education of our students are our priority, our job, and our concern as they are the ones that are graduating and facing life's challenges. At no time do I believe teachers should be disrespectful, we are the adults in the classroom and the role models for our students
DeleteIt's evident that students are not as dedicated and motivated as they should be in their studies. Few students do not need to be reminded about their responsibilities at school. When the other students complete an assignment or do well in tests, they behave as if though they did the teacher a favor by completing their tasks. I always find myself reminding students about the importance of education because too many of them believe they aren't capable of attaining a higher education even though they have the potential to make a positive difference. The schools do their best to keep these students in the education system to provide them with a secure future but without family support this won't be possible. The family plays the most important role in keeping students motivated to strive for excellence and not settle for anything less.
DeleteI echo the similar sentiments as my colleagues. I view this approach as experiences we all had at some point in our lives. Our very development was based on social interaction and our ability to develop these processes, that would aid us in our daily skills development.
DeleteI agree with shawn that education serves many important functions in society. The schools and teachers do their best to educate children and secure them with a bright future. However, some children push themselves to do well on assignments and test while other students show little interest in school work and it is challenging for teachers. I believe the cause of it is the lack of parental support. The parents, teachers and students need to have some level of communication in order for the students to be motivated and strive for excellence
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DeleteDurkheim views on education as an entity creating social solidarity; education transmits cultures: share beliefs and values. In Belize, there's a saying that "it takes a village to raise a child", and this aligns directly with Durkheim's theory of functionalism. We see the value of each segment in society and how it correlates to the educational development of a child. In my school, this belief is evident; the mission is to offer holistic education, encompassing religious experiences for moral development, quality education with high academic standards, social and cultural awareness, and national responsibility. We incorporate teachers, parents, the public, and alumni to help the development of curriculum and to render an input in daily operations. We appreciate the value that each segment of society offers to the educational experience of our students, with the understanding that we are preparing our students to positively contribute to society. A school is an extended family that is aiding in the development of children; each member of the family plays a significant role, and at my school, our "village" is one big family.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with you it use to take a village to raised a child but society has changed drastically. In these times children are having children and they are not taking the responsibility for t heir children. They are mature enough to know how to begin being a mother. Each culture has their own beliefs and values but the youths of today is not learning this and as a result its hard for the community to raised a child.Some children learn behavioral patterns and values due to loving teacher who love their profession. I believe that teachers should try their best to aid in the change in our society today.
DeleteI completely agree with what sir is saying, a school plays the part of an extended family for our children and is their second home and the necessary values needed within life being reinforced at home continues here. As also what sir states it does not only takes the parent and the child to create all possibilities but each member within the circle or I should say the triangle plays an important role in the life of our children. As teachers we are also look upon as role models for these children entrusted within our care and our school is the environment they are in everyday so I believe it does takes an entire community to raise a child
DeleteA theoretical approach in the sociology of education that I would like to discuss is the Functionalist Theory. According to Ballantine and Hammock (2001), “Each part of the society’s system – family, education, religion, politics, and economics, health care – plays a role in the total working society.” (p. 11). So without the support from these different parts, the system won’t be able to function effectively. These parts must take education as being important and beneficial for it is an investment in our human capital in our country. Our children are put into our education system to ensure they have the necessary skills, values and attitudes to make a positive difference in the development of the country.
ReplyDeleteA situation using my school as an example would be the family role in the education system. Teachers and administration try to work closely with students that are not performing well in their academics or misbehaving. It becomes more of a challenge to us when we don’t have the support of the family from these children that need it the most. Their parents/guardians are seldom present or absent when meetings are organized or when reports are being issued. We don’t get the opportunity to express our concerns or issues. Then, when we do get the opportunity to meet with them and discuss the students’ academic performance or behavior they would show no interest or create an excuse to end the conversation. At the end of the year, these students would need to repeat or are asked not to return. It is evident that if the family role is not functioning in society then education will more than likely fail which in return creates an unstable society. This would answer the question from the video, “what is missing that is keeping the society apart?”
Students that do have the family support produce social control (having students in schools rather than streets), stability (moral values and ethics) and productivity (skilled and career-oriented). This shows that when all institutions are functioning properly and together, this will promote social unity and contribute to positive development. This would answer the question from the video, “what keeps the society together?”
As an educator, family participation must be present to be able to maximize on my students’ learning. So I ask myself what I can do to promote this. I found an interesting article online on how family should not be involved but engaged in school activities. I recommend you guys to go ahead and read the article whether you agree or disagree. The link is:
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/may11/vol68/num08/Involvement-or-Engagement%C2%A2.aspx
References
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis
(Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
It is evident that more family participation must be present to be able to maximize students learning. When parents , families are involved with schools, all children benefit and they make a difference in their children's academic achievement.
DeleteTeachers and administration try to reach out to these parents by having workshops and meeting, but parents are always finding excuses to attend.
It's up to the teachers and administrators to make parents feel like part of the team. They can probably increase parent involvement by calling the parents, or e-mail them. In that way teachers can talk to them and teach parents how to help their child and how to support education.
Parents need to stop rely on the teachers and know what their responsibility as a parent is.
I agree more family interaction is integral for development of a child. Whats more alarming in our society today is the level of violence and crimes in Urban and surges or rises in Rural area. I've devised a hypothesis that because of the lack of personal ability to try to strive for development, persons are incapable of discourse ethics because of lack of personal will. Just a thought to ponder, In my attempts to access the posting of this comment the program attempted to decipher if i a BOBOT, in all slang talk, (that funny me), but then it had me thinking, being dependent of technology has its perks but also the downfall is the deprivation of the ole hand shake, or the kiss on the cheek, or even a mean grungy (Get outa mi face) greeting, ore Belizeans are utilizing the technological ear as the Millennials rise to create new history in Belize and new takings. Spoken like a member of the REVOLUTION, more better A BELIZEAN EDUCATIONAL REVOLUTION! Punto Final.
Delete“Each part of the society’s system – family, education, religion, politics, and economics, health care – plays a role in the total working society.” Ballantine and Hammock (2001), In other words society is perceived to be just as the human body, without one part of the body working it cannot function as a whole. As stated before in order for society to work as a whole it needs the "family" which helps society because if the family itself is functional then there would be more love which would then cause a caring society but if the families are dysfunctional, where there is no love, care and guidance, then our society would be of much chaos. The society also needs education to function as a whole. I believe that education and politics/ government go hand in hand to server each other. This is because if the government provides education for the children of the family then they will grow up to have good jobs which in turn they will pay taxes which the country depends on to keep itself functioning. If there is no religion then there will be no believes and people act according to their ideology (belief system). If all the mentioned parts do not play their role in the society then there would be a dysfunctional society.
ReplyDeleteUsing this same functionalist theory and applying it to the school system, whereby the child will act as the society, there factors that needs to be present in order for the child to excel. Education is a triangle which includes the parents, the teachers and the students. Education works effective only when all sides of the triangle are together. If one side of the triangle is separated from another, there will be just a bunch of lines that resemble nothing. Therefore there must be communication within the triangle. The parent need to communicate to teacher, the teachers need to communicate with the students etc. There must be a level of communication and participation in order for the education of the child being effective and of the best. If the child gets the support of the teachers and parents while being self-motivated then the child in turn will be stable and productive citizen giving back to society.
I strongly agree with what is being said Alexis that each individual need to realize their role in the success of a child. Th parents in playing their part giving support-helping with assignments, getting a tutor if necessary, providing finance an as well just being their to check up on what is happening with the child. The teachers role- ensuring that the child is grasping concepts, in communication with parents in regards to child progress, continuous motivation, etc. Lastly, the child role- to own his/her education, put in the necessary work and effort to be successful, ask questions and demand feedback.
DeleteI agree with what Alexis is saying for several reasons. Firstly, the different parts of society needs to functional so that children are successful in life. If the teachers are putting in their work and then the child goes home and gets no parental support with assignments then the child will be struggling to some extent. Parents, students, teacher relationship is vital when it comes to the development of children. Furthermore, teachers need to work with their administrators,church, local and general managers to make sure their is a relationship for the benefit of all. Whenever, all parts of the society are not functioning then it creates a conflict. Therefore all the parts must be actively working to make education better for the children.
DeleteThe theoretical approach in Sociology of education that I would like to discuss is one of the Interaction Theories: the labeling theory to be specifies- which speaks of individual's formulation of their sense of 'self'', that is developed through their interaction in school and may affect their sense of self. (Ballentine and Spade, 2011) Whereby take for example the school at which I teach Maud Williams High School it is seen or viewed by many as as being a ghetto, last chance or school for rejects. So what does that tell the students who attend? I believe that question can be easily answered by those who stereotype or label the school. It is things like these that cause our society to be the way it is today in that some members of society continue to in still in our youths that they are dumb and will amount to nothing an eventually they believe it and sad to say that is why we continue to have crimes. In that if our youths are not giving a chance to be productive in school then they will be destructive in society. So with that in mind we need to make a change and start to mold the minds of our youths so as to have them develop a sense of self worth and believe that they are competent enough to attend school and obtain an education or degree thus moving on to greater things and becoming productive members of society. Thus this could be achieved by the society at large changing their mind set to being more positive and stop sensationalizing the negative activities of members of the school and instead highlighting the good that the mission of the school is realizing.
ReplyDeleteNelson Mandela once quoted, "I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities." When looking at this theory I could relate to what Ms. Martin mentioned about her school. I am a proud graduate of Maud Williams High School but most individuals view that school as nothing; like its beneath all the schools. I could recall one day I was waiting for bus at pound yard while wearing my uniform and students and teachers from other high school looked at me laughed and said ," that's a real ghetto school and all there children are never gonna be anything in life." The comments passed had an effect on me but it gave me motivation to prove them wrong. This labeling and stereotyping does not determine how good the school or anyone is. Therefore, society needs to have their mind set towards positive things and not negatives.
DeleteAs i mentioned in my discussion of the Social Conflict theory, society seeks to place us in groupings that limit our choices and that to a great extent decides our faith. We can see that this conventional process of placements has had its fair share of negative effect within the classrooms. Society has always dictated who will be successful in our society. I don’t believe that any man chooses to be poor; rather, that person makes the most rational decisions within the confines of societal limitations placed on them. The idea of a free society is lost on our Belizean Society because we refuse to accept anything other than the norms of society or what is handed down to us as conventionally fitting to do. This is the reason that the minority of "haves” control society; while, the majority of “have not” are left to feel the brunt of social inequality (Ballantine & Hammack 2012).
DeleteBob Marley said to “Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery” (Redemption Song). This is truly a powerful and redeeming quote that we need to start singing in the ears of our children if we want to see change in such as fragmented Belizean society.
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis
(Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
I must agree with Ms. Denise. I also teach at a school which is been labeled to be a failing system. with so many criticism and malicious act from some teachers and parents I sometimes wonder how the students survive the environment. Many outsiders tend to use destroying words towards the school but fail to realize that only the students are suffering, not them and not the teachers. Our children education system in in a failing crisis because everything inside the system is been labeled and pointed at. instead most managing authority tend to carry on with their lives and point figure at each other. Ms. Denise is right when she refer to her work place because as an outsider I hear things and its the same that other outsiders hear about my workplace. I surely concur with her.
DeleteFunctionalist Theory
ReplyDeleteIn the functionalist theory, education of our students is our concern and priority. According to Jeanne H. Ballantine, Floyd M. Hammack (7th Edition) " Each part of the society's system- religion, family, education- plays an important role." In my school this belief is evident, we incorporate religious belief, moral values and quality education. The schools and teachers do their best to educate children and secure them with a bright future but we lack parental support. I believe parental support is an important factor in a child's life. They need that parental support in order for them to be motivated and excel as they further their education. It becomes challenging for the teachers when the students have problem and issues, whether behavioral or academic problems, which needs to be discuss and they are not around. The few parents that are around show little or no interest. The parent , teachers and students must have some level of communication in order for the students to stay motivated and become productive citizens who positively contribute to the society
A society with its various elements out of balance is a loss cause. The same can be said for any educational institution whose students lack the proper parental support. Parents are the first teachers of the child; hence, they play a major role in their child's educational, social, behavioural and occupational success. Furthermore, parents are the child's first source of motivation and children will learn how they are to behave and what is expected of them by replicating their parents. Lack of interest by parents more than likely will reflect lack of motivation by students and this in turn will reflect negatively on the child’s overall performance and the child will eventually drop out of school.
DeleteSocial Conflict Theory:
DeleteI chose to write on this theory because I believe it is relevant to Belizean society and we can see its impact on our educational institutions. I am not a teacher but I my prior and present experience with the education system and institution has shown me the various conflicting elements within the education institution that can either lead to its success or demise. We can look at the struggle between child and adult, upper division children and lower division children, parents and teachers, teachers and administration, males and females as well the rich and the poor. In each grouping we can classify one of the pairs as the “have” and the other as the “have not” (Ballantine & Hammack 2012). According to Ballantine & Hammack (2009) school is an agent of social inequality being that it promotes the used of standardized test and “hidden curriculum”.
One particular practice that I believe promoted social inequality at the primary school I attended is the system of grouping students into classes such as A class, B class and C class. Please be mindful that A class was to reflect the group of students most likely to excel and C class was to represent the group of students most likely to fail. I attended Wesley Primary school and I was placed for the majority of my time at primary school at the C class level and near my final years I moved up to B class. Initially, I thought what I believe every other student in my C class thought; that I was a failure. I began hanging out with the other children from my class that would take part in mischievous activities and as a result I was always being sent to the principal’s office. At home I had a lot of motivation to do well in school but my mind set was chosen for me when I realized I was not good enough to be placed in the A class. I often envied the students of that class and sometimes commented that, “they are not that smart”. Calling myself a failure was not a product of low-self-esteem; rather, it was a product of the traditional school practices of selection that result in social inequality and poor self-esteem.
This example is one of many that cause conflict with in schools and it is found in all schools whether government funded or privately funded. It is not always the case that what is chosen for us what is always best for us and the only person that can truly know that is ourselves. Societal institutions all seek to place us where they think we best fit but in an effort to organize society they judge us unfairly by our socio-economic backgrounds, our gender, our religion, our age and this creates a conflict when we choose to fight back.
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis
(Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
A powerful statement indeed: parents, teachers and students must have some level of communication in order for the students to stay motivated and become productive citizens who can positively contribute to the society. Many parents believe that the teacher alone should mold a child however, I believe all of us have a significant role and responsibility in order to shape and mold these students. Parents set the foundation to mold the students, then the teacher as the child learns and motivate him or herself. Nonetheless, I believe with this three way fold the child will become so knowledgeable with spiritual values as well as academic competency that he or she will be a successful contributor to society and be able to function effectively in society.
Deleteas I read this I honestly understand where you are coming from the streaming system to me was not fair it really promotes inequality and influence good students to become bad mainly because of the need to try to fit in. students who were placed in the C and D classes were not only because they were as we call it academically challenge but those were the students who had behavior problems. now if a child is learning at a slower pace and is sent in a class where student have behavior problems that child is being deprive of their education simply because the there will be spending most of her time disciplining the students rather than teaching. A child needs to be in an environment that helps them grow and be the best they can be. Teachers create the problems we are seeing now not everyone can climb out of that situation and still do positive things congrats to you miss and continue the battle.
DeleteThe theoretical approach in Sociology of Education that I will be discussing is the Functionalist Theory. This theory has a lot to do with society functioning together. In accordance to Ballantine and Hammock (2001), “Each part of the society’s system – family, education, religion, politics, and economics, health care – plays a role in the total working society.” (p. 11). In the event that each part of society does not operate together then it creates a problem. The support is vital from all the different parts and hence the reason if that support is given, society will function properly and the results will be effective.
ReplyDeleteAn example from my school that fits this theoretical approach is that most of the times we do not get parental support. As a small staff we try to work together with our management, parents, and students. Most of the times we send out letters informing parents about matters to be discuss their child’s performance, fees, and other school related matters. The teacher students relationship is there but when it comes to having 90% of the parental support that is where the problem comes in. Parental involvement in my school is always something that we are working on. However, when parents fail to attend meetings or sessions we personally go out and visit them. These visits allow them to know where their child stands in terms of academics. I find this very effective because we find out what is the problem as to why parents are not coming to school to check on their children. In doing so, we create a relationship with parents/guardians because we are all looking at the development of our children.
In the event that we are unable to go on visits, we ensure that in each child’s class records there are contact numbers for their parents. A few times we would contact the parent or a family member and inform them that we need to see the parent. With this changing society and a lot technology, I personally email the parents that have an email about their child’s progress in my class. For some of the teachers at my school, they would send text messages and hence the reason why we have a close relationship with our students and parents. So, in reality the functionalist theory relates to the example that I have given thus far. Each part of the society is working together to make our family, community, and country a better place for everyone.
References
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis
(Seventh edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Angelita, I absolutely support this approach. It is important to develop good relationship with parents and students. We could apply these practices at our school as well. I do communicate with some parent through text and telephone calls but they are the ones who have interest in their child/children performance and attend meetings. The unfortunate thing is that most of the time the parents you want to see are usually the ones who don't come to meetings and show very little interest. We send notes to parents, but discovered that students don't deliver them, especially if the meeting is about performance report. We also have parents who just stop in to check up on their children and I always thank them for doing so. I will suggest visiting parents to my manager. Thanks for sharing
DeleteI agree with you Angelita, Everyone has a role to play in students life, the family, the education system, religion, government even health care workers all help in molding our children. Parents/Guardian and teachers play a significant role in students life. So when these students have the support from family and the education system we will definitely be able to see a difference in the child and their performance at school. It is the first time I am hearing teachers and administrator taking the time out to visit parents to enlighten them about their child's behavior and academics. I think its a great idea and more schools should adapt to that idea.
DeleteMaturationism is an early childhood educational philosophy asserting the child as a growing organism in which knowledge exists similar to previous knowledge in a lesson. Based on Arnold Gessell’s work, maturationists believe “genetic factors play a larger role in development than environmental ones” (Maturationist, 2005). The biological process of development is the maturing of predictable stages and programmed patterns of behavior. The child is expected to acquire knowledge “naturally and automatically” from external sources only as maturation creates a readiness for it (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory [NCREL], 2004).
ReplyDeleteThe maturationist teacher functions primarily as an observer to determine signs of development and as a provider of an environment that places few demands on the child (Hand and Nourot, 1999). “The role of education is to passively support this growth rather than actively fill the child with information” and expectations (Maturationist, 2005). As such, maturationists believe in providing children with rote memorization tasks and additional time to mature rather than providing them guidance, problem solving techniques, and reinforcement.
In realising all this as a reality we all experience in Belize we should become more sensitive to the thought of multi cultural dynamics in its entirety. We also must note that further research must be conducted in country Belize amongst other Caribbean islands are considered data poor region, we as the melenail child must continue critical research
I must say that i agree with my colleague Stephen. Some educators tend to force information and give students all the details for every topic. I tend to disagree with the (Maturationist, 2005) which states that children should be train to rote memorization task and additional time to mature. From my experience inside the classroom i believe that children should be guided in their learning to discover concepts through guidance from their teacher. Especially in mathematics. children learn through different learning styles. I strongly agree with students learning through discovery rather than memorization rote.
ReplyDeleteThe functionalist Theory speaks of all stakeholders playing and important role in the education process of our children to make the system a success. According to Ballantine and Hammock (2001) the stakeholders are define as the churches, state, parents, children, businesses, elders, politicians and our neighboring communities. without the support of all these stakeholders our children education is at risk and it becomes more challenging for students to develop their basic skills, attitude and values that they need to function as being respectable citizen for their own country.
ReplyDeletebring an educator and having the experience to work with children, I realized and understand that we all plays important roles in education especially the parents and teacher, because students look up to us as role models for their lives. without support from all stakeholders we are failing our children.
To educate is not about the teacher teaching the students everything they need to learn by forcing information in them. learning is about what the Functionalist Theory speaks about, we all corporate for success.
References
Ballantine, J. H. & Hammack, F. M. (2012). The Sociology Of Education: A Systematic Analysis
As the old saying states, "United we stand, divided we fall" (Dickinson, 1799), hence this clearly show us that as a nation we must and should work together for the greater good of our children. By being united and educating our students they will be able to develop the necessary skills and ability to become productive citizens of this nation. Therefore, they will able to use their abilities and know how in assisting our nation to grow and develop and eventually one day become a nation to feed its own. So, I must agree that the functionalist theory will only be effective if we unite as one to achieve our one common goal through the power of education and learning experiences.
DeleteI concur with you miss I remember this old say that said “it takes a village to raise a child" a lot of the blame has been place on teachers lately. We don't look at the parents and their responsibility to the students. Teachers are only part of the equation. Education is not just learning a little bit of ABC or 123. Teachers are given students with all different kinds of learning disabilities. More over the number of teacher to students is not realistic. Schools who advocate that parents take more time in their student/child's live are usually the schools who achieve high. Teachers are usually the people who take the blunt of the blame for a child failure but I believe that if the parents and the community get together and assist in helping our children them we will always have the same problems. Idiocy is doing the same thing the same way and expecting a different result.
DeleteI totally agree with you Kendra. We all play a major role in the development of our Children, who will later run our country. As teachers/instructors we need to be supportive towards our students and guide them down the path to success. Having the support of parents and other stakeholders
Deletemakes the process a lot more effective.
According to Blumer, H. (1969) the symbolic interaction view of education focuses on interactions during the schooling process and the outcomes of those interactions. For instance, interactions between students and teachers can create expectations on both parts. The teacher begins to expect certain behaviors from students, which in turn can actually create that very behavior. This is called the “teacher expectancy effect.” For example, if a White teacher expects a black student to perform below average on a math test when compared to White students, over time the teacher may act in ways that encourage the black students to get below average math scores. I see this as a true statement in my school. Teachers label students as being slow or having behavior problems. They tell some students some mean things and would label students all the way thru school. teachers are not aware of the power that their words have on students and say some mean things which these students take with them in life I honest can say that a teacher who tells a child that he won’t succeed impacts that child and in turn make that student don't even want to try. Teachers who motivate a child and let them know that they can learn but at a different pace often are the teachers who are remembered and in turn create students who turn out to be productive. To a child words are not like winds. A child will always want to be the best or be good at something however because of teacher’s action WE make them the best at being BAD. Food for thought.
ReplyDeleteBlumer, H. (1969) Symbolic Interactionism; Perspective and Method. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall
I fully agree with you Ryan, teachers are some of the very first role models in students life and they play a big role in their students life. It is true that teachers bring down students by name calling and having children believe they are worth nothing. What ever a teacher tells a student stays with him/her for life. Therefore it is best that teachers learn to be positive and say positive things to students and in return it will show like what you said " students will turn out to be more productive".
DeleteRyan I agree with you, some teachers often inflict scars on students without aware of doing so. Children are scar not only physically but also emotionally. This is the part of a child a teacher can't see. Teachers uses verbal abuse on students and many time these students live up to their names. If teachers would set high expectation for their students they will live up to the expectation. If teachers are roll models, then what are teachers illustrating when they are calling student names. Teachers need to put themselves in the shoe of a child or even think of his or her child's teacher telling the his or her child hurtful words. Teachers set the example for their students and children learn from what they see.
DeleteI like both the feminist and Interaction and Interpretive theory, however I will focus on the Interaction and Interpretive theories, which I can relate to at my Institution. The interactive theory is absolutely important because if focuses on what teacher and students do in the school. We must realize that student spend most of their time in the class room, so the interaction that occurs in the learning environment can impact students’ lives significantly. The interaction spans even further, whereby student interacts with peer and teachers interacts with principal. During these interaction teachers need to be mindful of message we might send across to students, sometimes student can lose respect and get too familiar based on what they hear or see. We should always be positive role models to our students. It is important for teachers to refrain from entertaining students with negative remarks about other teachers, peers or principal. Teachers and principal should develop good relationships so student can observe unity and cooperation among staff. That will encourage them to want to do the same with peers. The Interaction and interpretive theory also focuses on labeling. We should never label and discriminate against student no matter what. Some student are already coming out of challenging or abusive environment, labeling them will be more detrimental to their development. I have seen situation at my institutions where some students are famous for having behavioral issues and often get duties assigned to them. These students sometimes feel like they are being targeted. As instructor we should not hold malice with students because of negative experiences. I have observe that some student behavior a results from personal problem they are facing, I often encourage these student to see the councilor, which usually results in positive changes. At our intuitions we have a lot of interaction with student both inside and outside the classroom. We always chat and sit with them at the benches during break time. We interact during club meeting, we play sports with them, and even supervise sports. In the classroom they are guided closely when performing tasks. As a teacher we should approach student calmly and talk to them without making judgment and labeling. “The image that is reflected back to someone….can begin to mold one’s sense of competence, intelligence and likeability” (Ballantine and Spade, 2011). No matter how upset we might get with student we should never tell them they won’t amount to anything or let them feel like that are incapable or not good enough, because they will eventually believe that. Educator should always give positive and encouraging feedback to students. When we label them, they think we don’t care for them and don’t like them. Rational choice looks at cost and rewards involving one’s interaction. Teachers need to acknowledge, reward and complement students on good performance. When student do or say nice things I always compliment them and encourage them to keep doing good. I also applaud and encourage my student to applaud good behavior and participation in class.
ReplyDeleteConflict Theory
ReplyDeleteThis theory believes that society is full of social groups with different aspirations, different access to life changes and gain different social rewards. Relations in society, in the view, are mainly based on exploitation, oppression, domination and subordination. Some conflict theorists like Max Weber (1864-1920) believe education is controlled by the state which is controlled by the powerful, and its purpose is to reproduce existing inequalities, as well as legitimize ‘acceptable’ ideas which actual work to reinforce the privilege positions of the dominant group.
Education archives its purpose by maintaining the status quo, where lower – class children become lower class adults and middle and upper- class children become middle and upper-class adults. Mclead argues that teachers treat lower-class kids like less competent students, placing them in lower “tracks” because they have generally had fewer opportunities to develop language, critical thinking and social skills prior to entering school than middle and upper class kids.
In many schools today I can observe that the less privilege student “have not” they are not treated fairly, they tend to have the least say in anything and majority of the time they are placed in classes such as ‘C’ class. It is very unfortunate for these students to be treated as such when it is not their error the situation they are placed in. Because they are so use to being placed as the “least” they start behaving as such. Many of time teachers do not want these students in their class rooms because majority of the time these students are slow learners and the simple fact is that teachers do not take the time to assist the student of different learning abilities.
Jeanne H. Ballantine and Joan Z Spad (ED) Schools and society: A Sociological approach to education, 3rd Edition, Sase publications India Pvt Ltd 2008.
Interaction and Interpretive Theories
ReplyDeleteThis approach focuses on interactions between groups –
peers, teacher-student, teacher-principal,etc. Two interaction theories are of great importance are labeling theory and exchange theory or choice theory. The labeling theory is concerned with how the self-identity and behavior of individuals may be determined or influenced by the terms used to describe or classify them. If a child is repeatedly told that s/he is stupid or lazy, s/he will make the ‘label’ a part of her/his self concept and behave accordingly. Students almost always fulfill teachers’ expectations. So teachers should always set high expectation for the students in their class.
Exchange or choice theory emphasizes the idea that social action. The
theory of exchange predicts that people will make choices with the
intention of maximizing benefits based on the assumption that there are costs and
rewards involved in our interactions.
These aspects are evident at my school. At my elementary school we have participated in a positive action program, which my classroom was used as the model classroom. However, this have not put a stop to labeling children as recently t meet a teacher had called a child "cockeye." That child went home and told her parent. As teachers we should be careful of the words we use and in what context we use them. According to (Griffin, 1997) "what" is actually said, while relationship is "how" it is said. So in other teachers must be mindful of what they say and how they say things.
As teachers we should have the children best interest in out thoughts and ensure that we think before we speak and making any irrational choices that will harm any student or self. It is important to remember why we chose the profession and work to the best of our abilities to impart knowledge to the future generation of the children. The children are our future we must do the right things as we are the roll models for children it begin with us as teachers. I believe if we work together we will move forward together.
I really like this comment because the labelling theory occurs regularly in the classroom and teachers totally miss the fact that once a child is constantly being negatively referred to he or she starts believing it. For example, I once had a student in my infant two class who was struggling with reading and all she heard at home was "You can't read." That simple statement had a lit if psychological effect on that child. It did not matter at that point whether she tried or not because as far as she.knew, she would never get it. However, when she was assessed and analysed, I realized what the problem was and dealt with it to my fullest capacity. One teacher can make a difference in many lives.
DeleteAccording to Weber's contribution to the sociology of education ( (Max Weber 1864-1920) power relationships between groups form basic structure of societies and that a person's status identifies their position in the group. This brand of the conflict theory proves that education is used as one's mean to attain desired ends. This theory relates to the classroom setting in the sense that the people within the school I teach are sometimes seen as the "insiders." Their status culture is reinforced through the school experience (Max Weber 1864-1920). Whereas those who might be less wealthy are seen as the "outsiders" who face the barriers to succeed in school.
ReplyDeleteHowever, it can also be looked at through the spectrum that the "insiders" can very well be those children who learn at a faster rate. The "outsiders" then become those who are struggling or less intelligible than the rest. Stockmeyer (1919) discussed with the ministry of education the aim of finding a legal structure that would allow for an independent school. He was given the task of finding teachers as a foundation for the future school. (Molt, Steiner, Stockmeyer 1919). He was concerned with instilling pedagogy to enhance training for success in students.
Weber would merge these two by describing it as saying that there are many I interactions in classroom dynamics. However,the main idea I am pushing is that teachers must have knowledge of dealing with individual learning needs in pedagogy and psychology. All of these areas aid in making the classroom setting a whole heap of fun, engagement and learning.
I believe in my point of view, positivity is the most important theory to society. Positivity plays a very important role in whatever we do and say and wherever we go especially within our classroom environment. Both in the classroom and in society, if children grows up experiencing positivity and learns through the medium of positivity and engaging in positive activity then more than likely our children will grow up into being someone positive both in actions and words as children lives what they see. As experienced within the classrooms at our school working with what we refer to as "challenging students" despite their negative behaviors, being positive towards these students will create real values and will help to build their skills. This will eventually curb the behavior as these positive skill building will last longer than just a mild hug or a simple smile but for a lifetime. When our students experience positive emotions such as joy, love, happiness and contentment, it creates more possibilities and capabilities among our children and in the society in which they live. Positivity also builds within our children the necessary skills needed in life such as their physical skills meaning the ability to play with each other, their social skills which is the ability to explore and examine their environment and the world around them in which they live, and their creative skills which are useful and valuable within their everyday life. Positivity opens our children's mind to a whole lot of possibilities as Fedrickson refers to this theory as the "broaden and build" theory.
ReplyDelete