HED4809
Assignment 1
(COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025
NO PLAGIARISM
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,HED4809 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 2025; 100%
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. 1. Do you agree that the hidden curriculum primarily serves to uphold
existing power structures, as suggested by Conflict Theory? Why or why not?
(2) a) Yes, because the hidden curriculum transmits dominant cultural values
that reinforce existing social hierarchies. b) No, because the hidden
curriculum mainly helps students understand societal norms rather than
enforce power dynamics. c) Yes, because the hidden curriculum is
intentionally designed to prioritize individual achievement over collective
values. d) No, because the hidden curriculum promotes only educational
standards without any influence on societal power structures.
The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten, informal lessons that students learn in school,
which are not part of the formal curriculum but still shape their behaviors, beliefs, and attitudes.
Conflict Theory suggests that social institutions, including schools, serve to reinforce existing
power structures, perpetuating inequalities and supporting the status quo. With this in mind, the
most aligned response would be:
a) Yes, because the hidden curriculum transmits dominant cultural values that reinforce
existing social hierarchies.
This aligns with the idea that the hidden curriculum teaches students not just academic
knowledge but also social norms and behaviors that reinforce the values and power dynamics of
dominant groups in society. For instance, schools may instill values like obedience, competition,
and individualism, which benefit those in power and maintain the existing social order.
While other options present valid points, the hidden curriculum's role in reinforcing power
structures is most strongly supported by option (a).
2. How would you evaluate the effectiveness of role differentiation in
achieving social solidarity versus encouraging individualism in students? (2)
a) Role differentiation promotes social solidarity by teaching students to
work in groups toward common goals. b) Role differentiation encourages
individualism by assigning specific roles that may limit collaborative learning.
c) Role differentiation strikes a balance by encouraging students to develop
individual skills that contribute to collective goals. d) Role differentiation has
no impact on either social solidarity or individualism in educational settings.
, The concept of role differentiation refers to the way in which individuals are assigned specific
roles or tasks within a social group or system. In the context of education, this can affect both
social solidarity (cohesion and collaboration) and individualism (personal achievement and
autonomy).
Considering how role differentiation can influence these dynamics, the most balanced and
accurate answer would be:
c) Role differentiation strikes a balance by encouraging students to develop individual
skills that contribute to collective goals.
This option recognizes that while role differentiation helps students develop individual
competencies, it also ensures that these skills contribute to the larger goal of group success. In an
educational context, students may be assigned different roles in projects or classroom activities,
allowing them to cultivate personal strengths while also working toward a common objective.
This balance helps foster both individual growth and collective cohesion.
While the other options focus more on one aspect (either solidarity or individualism), option (c)
best captures the nuanced impact of role differentiation.
3. What criteria would you use to assess whether Robert Dreeben’s concept
of achievement is equally applicable to all students, regardless of
background? (2) a) Evaluating whether achievement is measured by
standardized tests. b) Assessing whether all students, regardless of
background, have equal access to resources that support achievement. c)
Measuring if students from different backgrounds feel motivated to meet
achievement standards. d) Determining if students are primarily assessed on
individual merit rather than group work.
Robert Dreeben's concept of achievement in education emphasizes the importance of individual
accomplishment, especially within the context of the school system. When evaluating whether
this concept is equally applicable to all students, regardless of background, we need to consider
the factors that could influence students' ability to achieve in the same way, such as access to
resources, opportunities, and motivations.
The most relevant criteria to assess whether Dreeben's concept applies equally to all students
would be: