Affect of Strategies on Educational Development in Children - Research Paper Example

Affect of Strategies on Educational Development in Children Introduction Educational sector is common to all societies across the globe. It can be regarded as a part of wide knowledge sector. In some cases education is an informal mechanism provided by family members or any kind of regional institutions. Informal mechanism indicates not an appropriate structure followed while imparting skills or knowledge to children. Regional institutions are present across the world in the form of colleges, universities, schools, etc. In UK, children falling under age group of 5 to 16 years spend maximum time of their working hours in schools. This mainly happens during term time and it sums up to 15000 hours of their lifetime (Devereux, 2005). Education is a vital component within societal development and it is considered to be an interesting topic for sociologists. Sociologists are mainly concerned with reducing any form of societal impact and implementation of appropriate strategies for betterment of society. Education proves to be most effective tool in relation to eliminating unemployment and transforming society into a better place. It would even provide individuals with internal strength for overcoming any form of hurdle that comes along their way. UK educational system will be mainly focused on along with comparisons between local, regional and national educational strategies (Goldin and Katz, 2008). Labelling theory is one such framework that describes teacher and student interaction. This indicates the procedure adopted by teachers to make judgements about students in relation to their mental labels. Discussion Educational practices, models and theories Key educational theories, models and concepts There are certain theories and models that best describes educational development. Sociological theory was proposed by Hargreaves, Mellor and Hester in 1975. This theory was proposed through participant observation, where one was situated in suburban area and other in urban area. The observation concluded that there exist three distinct stages through which teachers label their students. First stage is speculation where teachers conclude about their students on basis of relationship, enthusiasm, appearance, etc. In elaboration stage, teachers basically conduct hypothesis testing that is either contradicted or confirmed. Teachers usually develop ideas about students and these ideas at times are proved right or even wrong. Contradicted hypothesis means thoughts or views regarding students would prove to be wrong. Confirmed hypothesis indicates that student’s behaviour and performance confirm opinions formed by teachers. Stabilization stage denotes that hypothesis of teachers solidify and is permanently linked with children. For instance a teacher might develop strong opinion a particular student such as he or she lacks confidence. This opinion in stabilization stage becomes so strong that even if the student tries to perform well it shall be ignored. The negative impact is that students might greatly associate themselves with labels and is also known self-fulfilling prophecy. A particular label given to a student like weak performer, etc., influences them to continuously relate themselves with the label. Rosenthal and Jacobson executed a classical study on self-fulfilling prophecy (Oates, 2004). In this study IQ tests were administered and teachers were informed that they are likely to witness rapid intellectual growth. The students who were labelled to deliver intellectual growth showed higher IQ scores. Hey (1997) points out that practice such as rituals and falling out of exclusion and bitching are socially constructed stereotype of female that marginalizes those individuals who do not conform. Interactionist approach supports analyzing factors within the school that results into social group’s underachievement. There are wide ranges of factors which contribute towards underachievement of a group. Through this approach one can analyze hidden factors within a school that initiates poor performance. Affect of strategies on educational development in children Labelling theory is all about formulating a specific image about an individual. These labels or images are not formed on basis of a significant experience but there is range of experiences accumulated to analyze a particular individual. On the other hand, labelling can even lead to teachers ignoring any change in behaviour amongst students with existing label. This negatively affects educational development within children. Educational development is related to enhancing skills and knowledge of students. Labelling prevents teacher from changing their attitude or opinion about children. This in turn even restrict student from succeeding in career path. Self-fulfilling prophecy is beneficial in terms of enhancing intellectual growth. It states that students falling into top category are usually encouraged in comparison to those belonging to lower category (Abbot, 1994). For instance, students who belong to socially backward class or score lesser marks during exams are considered to fall in lower category. These students are motivated but not to greater extent in comparison to students scoring more marks. Ghevarugheese in his studies had highlighted that Maths and Science as academic subjects was contributed by Non-Europeans. This theory even proclaims educational framework to be classified on basis of cultural ethnicity and gender. Comparisons between local, regional and national level strategies The strategies of mentioned theoretical frameworks are distinguishable from one another in context of local, national or regional levels. Cultural influence on local level is lesser than that at regional or national level. At regional level strategies are formulated undertaking wide array of subcultures. National level strategies are often inclined towards reducing gender discrimination and offering a wider base of knowledge. Views of Education Marxists and functionalist views of education Marxists and functionalist views indicate that an essential function of education is to enhance culture on basis of socialization. They disagree on possible social reproduction outcome specifically considering education as a hidden curriculum. Functionalists proclaim society’s economic functions benefitting all members. Marxists opposes this statement by outlining economic functions to benefit only economic elite. On the other hand, functionalists’ views indicate Western education to be meritocracies that is educational qualification achieved due to intelligence and their ability. Marxists state class inequality to be major hurdle in educational success. This results into educational system favouring certain social groups over other groups. Functionalist views are aligned towards success of most deserving candidates (Oates, 2004). Whereas Marxist views are all about sustaining social inequality through encouraging higher class of social group. Higher class of social group relates to their views, opinions or knowledge base. This class even demonstrate individuals belonging to higher income group. Social aspects and cultural elements are highly prevalent in both these views which affect educational development in a region. Evaluate opposing views It can be stated that children witnessing a specific work atmosphere has its reflection on their education. For instance, children witnessing their parents as labours are bound to restrict themselves from performing well or acquiring required skills. Children belonging to middle class or upper class segment tend to obtain better jobs and higher qualification in comparison to individuals belonging to working class segment possessing similar abilities (Abbot, 1994). Education comes along with these additional factors and at times result into social inequality. This can be outlined in the form of some individuals securing high marks and better jobs while others are not being able to stay competitive. Discuss influencing factors arising from educational viewpoints on child development The most influencing factor which affects child development is social inequality within an educational system. For instance students belonging to lower segment are observed to perform clerical jobs (Stewart, 2012). Child development is influenced by this factor since mentality or labelling reduces the degree of performance. Counter-school or anti-school subculture violates the major aim of schools which is to provide higher qualification to students (Stewart, 2012). As per this culture students tend to free themselves from classes or control, and are not inclined towards achieving higher qualification. For example students who are a part of lower income class group are majorly observed to secure good job rather than obtaining higher qualification. Educational Achievement Identify key influencing factors Educational achievements should be totally based on skills and knowledge possessed by students (Goldin and Katz, 2008). As per functionalist view every individual should be given equal opportunity in context of jobs or education. The pay levels and educational qualifications are greatly linked with each other. Higher pay scale is offered to those individuals who possess higher degree or educational qualification. Differences in educational achievement are observed in terms of ethnicity and gender. A key influential factor is home influences since financial and cultural resources available at home affect talent possessed by students. Poor housing conditions or less availability of space makes it difficult to study at home. This in turn appears to be a hurdle in educational achievement. Cultural explanations are another factor that causes educational underachievement. Language, attitudes and values has dual impact on potential of students (Oates, 2004). Influence of factors on educational development and achievement Schooling or further education demands for wide array of factors such as proper diet, economic stability, health, housing, etc. Poverty or low wages prevent children from achieving desirable goals. Unemployment or low wages would even indicate that toys or educational books cannot be purchased (Abbot, 1994). Little place to study or play gives birth to greater levels of aggression or depression and impaired cognitive development (Devereux, 2005). Parental attitude is negative towards educational system then they are unable to support their children. This can be well described as some parents more focused on improving skills of their children rather than being inclined towards providing better education. Differences in achievement across a wide demographic range It is often assumed that similar educational achievement would be observed within same income class segment. However arguments have arisen stating educational achievement differences across wider base of demographic segment. Those individuals who belong to better section of middle class are likely to adapt quickly to dominant culture. However students coming from working class segment are not aligned with dominant culture and this disrupts educational development (Devereux, 2005). Educational achievement across wide demographic area can be well described through this diagram- Figure 1: Educational Achievement and Attainment In UK too racism is highly prevalent and it results into large number of subcultures. White’s belonging to middle class segment are believed to encompass similar attitudes but other culture people part of same segment cannot correlate well with educational achievement (Noddings, 2013). Middle class segment also comprise of various parts and amongst them all might not be well aligned with educational achievement. Implementation and design of education policy Difference between theory and practice related to educational provision Theory related to educational provision indicates that culture and ethnicity plays an important role ranging from student admission to achieving educational qualification. Income of family and parental attitude are said to highly affect educational achievement. In real world scenario these theoretical frameworks do not hold much importance (Oates, 2004). Educational platform is an open forum for all and every student is recognized through their knowledge level and not through any social status. Education is an open forum since it can be accessed by all individuals across the globe and even different ideas or views can be incorporated within the system. Educational institutions design their curriculum in such manner that students are able to explore their talent. Describe strategies which address implementation difficulties Educational development needs to be consistent across wider demographic segment. Implementation of this procedure appears to be difficult but certain strategies are able to mitigate such issues. For instance, home education is an appropriate way to impart education amongst those students who are unable to attend schools for some reason. Home education can be provided through sharing similar platform where teachers and student can communicate effectively. This is majorly done with the support of Internet and its associated applications (Devereux, 2005). Selection based on culture or religion is an innovative way to reduce conflict level amongst student groups. Equal educational opportunities need to be provided but workplace conflict can be eliminated to a great extent if individuals are selected based on culture. Similar cultural background students are able to share resources and make maximum utilization of educational resources (Noddings, 2013). This approach would be applicable only to open-minded society, where sharing of knowledge or resources are considered to be most innovative mechanism. Parental attitudes are changed through involving parents in various activities and taking their opinion in relation to educational development. In similar context this cannot be applied across wider society but holds significance only for higher or upper middle class group. Catchment area is a common strategy which is adopted by many educational organizations. In this strategy students are selected on basis of their living area rather than faith, abilities or family background. This is done so as to ensure that every student can attend school on a regular basis and is able to gain required knowledge (Stewart, 2012). Private schools as a part of non-governmental initiatives have been started in many regions to enhance skills of wider base of students. These schools mainly focus on middle income class group and are not affordable by lower income class segment. Education policy differences across a wide demographic range Educational policy is formulated in relation to priorities of students. For instance similar priority is not witnessed within upper income class segment and middle income class segment. Students belonging to upper class are more focused on higher education whereas middle class segment are aligned towards achieving educational qualification that can support future career goals (Goldin and Katz, 2008). Educational policy hence varies across wider demographic segment as stated in figure2. Figure 2: Educational Reform For instance in UK educational system, compulsory education is allocated to middle class segment in relation to language knowledge, analytical skills, scientific tools, etc (Abbot, 1994). Vocational training program comprises of series of steps where every student needs to qualify at every stage. Those students who are able to secure desirable grade during exams are offered job positions. On the other hand, sufficient time is given to those students who wish to spend time in extracurricular activities. These activities encompass sports, dance or music. Students engaging into these activities are also observed to perform well in their career path. Conclusion As per this study, educational development is witnessed across wide array of locations. In earlier years, education was not an essential element within the society. However with recent developments education policy gained importance in modern world. This study mainly highlighted educational policy of UK but trends are similar across the globe. It can be stated that educational achievements and development are a prime concern for all countries. These are gained through different strategic implementation and it contributes largely towards economic sustainability. There are key influencing factors that affect educational policy within a region. In overall context factors such as culture and ethnicity plays an important role in violating educational platform for students. Individuals belonging to different culture are witnessed to exhibit different set of values or beliefs. On the other hand, selection of students based on culture, religion or faith tend to eliminate this problem to a great extent. Conflicting views or opinions are discarded through this mechanism and main focus is on providing educational qualification. Parents need to be highly supportive towards their children since it affects cognitive development and growth. Low income or unemployment tends to affect educational framework since cultural or financial resources is critical to educational achievement. References Abbot, L., 1994. Quality education in the early years. UK: Open University Press. Devereux, J., 2005. Working with children in the early years. UK: Open University Press. Goldin, C. D., and Katz, L. F., 2008. The race between education and technology. USA: Harvard University Press. Noddings, N., 2013. Education and democracy in the 21st century. New York: Teachers College Press. Oates, J., 2004. Foundations of child development. UK: Open University Press. Stewart, V., 2012. A world-class education: learning from international models of excellence and innovation. USA: ASCD. Read More