[TYPE THE COMPANY NAME]
HED4804 Assignment
4 COMPLETE
ANSWERS | Due 4
August 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Exam (elaborations)
HED4804 Assignment 4 | Due 4 August 2025
Course
Philosophy in Education (HED4804)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Teacher Agency
Write an academic essay that critically examines the concepts of self,
agency, and ethics in the educational context.
A Critical Examination of Self, Agency, and
Ethics in the Educational Context
The purpose of education extends far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge and skills. At
its core, education is a transformative process that shapes individuals, equipping them not only
with a comprehension of the world but also with a framework for navigating it responsibly and
purposefully. Central to this process are three deeply intertwined concepts: the self, agency, and
ethics. A critical examination of these concepts reveals that a meaningful educational experience
is one that actively cultivates a robust sense of self, empowers the individual with a sense of
agency, and grounds both in a firm ethical foundation. This essay argues that these three
elements are not discrete pedagogical goals but rather a unified and mutually reinforcing system
essential for the development of autonomous, critical, and responsible citizens.
The concept of the self in education is dynamic and multifaceted. It refers to the individual's
developing identity, their sense of personal worth, and their unique cognitive and emotional
schema. Education, whether intentionally or not, plays a foundational role in constructing this
self. From the earliest years, the curriculum, teacher-student interactions, and peer relationships
all contribute to how a student perceives their own abilities, interests, and place in the world. As
constructivist theory suggests, learners do not passively absorb information; they actively build
their own understanding by integrating new knowledge with their existing self-concept. A
curriculum that values diverse perspectives and encourages personal expression can help
students forge a confident and authentic self. Conversely, an educational environment that is
rigid, exclusionary, or solely focused on standardized metrics risks fragmenting a student's self-
concept, leading to feelings of inadequacy or disengagement. Therefore, a critical educational
practice must recognize and respect the individuality of the student, providing a space where
their sense of self can flourish and mature.
Building upon a strong sense of self is the development of agency. In education, agency is the
capacity for a student to make choices, take ownership of their learning, and act with purpose. It
is the shift from being a passive recipient of instruction to becoming an active participant and co-
HED4804 Assignment
4 COMPLETE
ANSWERS | Due 4
August 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
[Pick the date]
[Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of
the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of
the contents of the document.]
, Exam (elaborations)
HED4804 Assignment 4 | Due 4 August 2025
Course
Philosophy in Education (HED4804)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Teacher Agency
Write an academic essay that critically examines the concepts of self,
agency, and ethics in the educational context.
A Critical Examination of Self, Agency, and
Ethics in the Educational Context
The purpose of education extends far beyond the mere transmission of knowledge and skills. At
its core, education is a transformative process that shapes individuals, equipping them not only
with a comprehension of the world but also with a framework for navigating it responsibly and
purposefully. Central to this process are three deeply intertwined concepts: the self, agency, and
ethics. A critical examination of these concepts reveals that a meaningful educational experience
is one that actively cultivates a robust sense of self, empowers the individual with a sense of
agency, and grounds both in a firm ethical foundation. This essay argues that these three
elements are not discrete pedagogical goals but rather a unified and mutually reinforcing system
essential for the development of autonomous, critical, and responsible citizens.
The concept of the self in education is dynamic and multifaceted. It refers to the individual's
developing identity, their sense of personal worth, and their unique cognitive and emotional
schema. Education, whether intentionally or not, plays a foundational role in constructing this
self. From the earliest years, the curriculum, teacher-student interactions, and peer relationships
all contribute to how a student perceives their own abilities, interests, and place in the world. As
constructivist theory suggests, learners do not passively absorb information; they actively build
their own understanding by integrating new knowledge with their existing self-concept. A
curriculum that values diverse perspectives and encourages personal expression can help
students forge a confident and authentic self. Conversely, an educational environment that is
rigid, exclusionary, or solely focused on standardized metrics risks fragmenting a student's self-
concept, leading to feelings of inadequacy or disengagement. Therefore, a critical educational
practice must recognize and respect the individuality of the student, providing a space where
their sense of self can flourish and mature.
Building upon a strong sense of self is the development of agency. In education, agency is the
capacity for a student to make choices, take ownership of their learning, and act with purpose. It
is the shift from being a passive recipient of instruction to becoming an active participant and co-
