Lesson 25: Education


Attention

Click on the image to see a larger version of this.
This is a graphic that represents a new trend in education...the MOOC


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Describe the Sociological Perspectives of Education
  • Describe existing problems in education and possible solutions

Teaching

Perspectives on Education

Your textbook does a good job examining the different perspectives related to eduction. However, I place the "Feminist" perspective into the overall "Conflict" perspective.

Review the following perspectives covered in your text:

  • Functional perspective on education
  • Conflict perspective on education
  • Symbolic interactionist perspective

Functions of Education

Manifest Functions (primary and overt functions of education)

  • Socializing agents
  • Transmit knowledge and culture
  • Cultural integration
  • Innovation
  • Benefit to the economy

Latent Functions

  • Provide child care
  • Matchmaking
  • Decrease job competition for CURRENT jobs
  • Create social networks
  • Good for (support) businesses

Post Modern Perspective

  • Education as a business/product
  • Students as "Customers"
  • "Profit" or "Non-Profit" Institutions
  • Charter Schools
  • MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses)

Experience a MOOC

I would like you to check out a sample MOOC course through a website called Coursera. When you visic Coursera click on the "View All Courses" link. Then search for the ones in "English" (if your preferred language is English!).

Pick any class that you find interesting and, in the least, watch the entire "Intro Video"...all these classes are free so you are able to take them if you wish.

Problems in Education

  • Is education equitable?
  • IQ, GPA, and SAT scores
  • Hidden Curriculum and Social Control
  • Credentialism
  • Gender
  • Relevance

Assessment

Lesson 25 Discussion

Reflect on your experience exploring a MOOC. Consider a world where we no longer offered degrees but instead people built up the skills they needed (and documented them) through MOOC type experiences. Would you trust a doctor trained this way? Reflect on other professions as well.