Hidden curriculum and gender equality
The document discusses gender equality and the hidden curriculum in education. It notes that while terms like gender equality suggest equal treatment, research shows gender stereotypes still exist in classrooms. The hidden curriculum refers to unintended lessons learned from the social environment and norms conveyed in school. The National Union of Teachers wants to challenge gender stereotypes to improve outcomes and relationships for all students. Educators must be aware of gender stereotyping and how it can limit some children's opportunities through subtle messages about gender roles. Examples could include associating certain colors or tasks with boys or girls. The hidden curriculum is influenced by teacher attitudes and values as well as classroom dynamics.
Hidden curriculum and gender equality
- 2. • A hidden curriculum is a side effect of an education, which are learned such as the transmission of norms, values and beliefs conveyed in classroom and social environment. • Gender difference in the school environment may feel like an old fashioned or outdated concept. With current terms as ‘gender equality’ suggesting male and female, men and women, boys and girls are treated equally regardless of their identified gender, there should be no indication of gender inequality within the classroom. • However research suggests this is far from the truth. The National Union of Teachers (NUT) identify a need to challenge gender stereotypes to ensure no limits are placed on children ,allowing for improved educational and behavioral outcomes ,as well as developing respect full and enduring relationships. • The educator should have strong knowledge of the concept of gender stereotyping. Then become familiar with strategies to avoid or counteract issues arising from incidences of gender stereotyping.
- 3. • Consider the classroom environment, there could be various examples of gender stereotyping without the educator even realizing. • There may be similar examples to that of the scenario provided such as ‘pink is for girls and blue is for boys’, or there could be more significant examples such as only strong boys can assist with rearranging the classroom, or the creative girls can decorate crafts corner. • If the educator is enacting such examples in their classroom, they need to be aware of the “hidden curriculum”. The hidden curriculum model is a reference to everything a student can learn without the teacher’s realization or intention. This hidden curriculum is the message being sent, often unknowingly, to the students when only the strong boys can help move furniture. • It is portraying that boys and girls are not equal and that there are different opportunities available dependent on a student’s gender. A major contributor to the hidden curriculum can be the teachers attitude, beliefs and values as well as classroom influence and outside the classroom in the play ground. Of course hidden curriculum is not only related to gender equality. The hidden curriculum can on all facelets of the student’s learning experience.