One surprising idea from the reading is the notion that schools build compliant behaviour into students through the use of a reward system. When you consider the vast amount of time kids spend in school, this reveals the significant power of prolonged, manipulative behaviour. While this power can be used to benefit students by encouraging healthy habits, it becomes dangerous when it's used to instill stigmas or prejudices.
The Importance of Teacher Education
Another crucial concept is being aware of what's truly being taught in school. We often only think about the explicit curriculum—the subjects and units formally written in the program. However, students also absorb values and traditions during their schooling hours.
This realization highlights the immense importance of educating teachers. Society has a responsibility to invest in teacher training to ensure a healthy, supportive environment where students can thrive.
The Power of the Null Curriculum
Just as powerful as the explicit curriculum is the null curriculum. This refers to the concepts that are intentionally or unintentionally ignored or left out of the formal curriculum. The decision not to teach a particular subject or topic can be as impactful as teaching it. In some cases, deliberately ignoring a concept is akin to teaching apathy or bias about that subject. It's a phenomenon of "opposite poles"—what is left out can be just as significant as what is included.
You’ve given a clear and well-structured response that shows you understood Eisner’s three types of curriculum. I liked how you picked up on compliance and the role of rewards. You raised an important point about how these systems can encourage good habits, but also risk teaching something more limiting or even harmful if they’re misused.
ReplyDeleteYour emphasis on teacher education stood out as well. You made a strong case that being aware of the hidden curriculum isn’t just an academic idea — it has real implications for how teachers are prepared and supported. That connection to teacher training made your response feel practical and grounded.
Your discussion of the null curriculum was also thoughtful. You highlighted how leaving something out can sometimes teach as much as including it, and I appreciated the way you framed it as “opposite poles.” That’s a strong way of showing the weight of these omissions.
Thank you for your comments Charlie! I apprecieate them a lot.
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