Unit One Theoretical Assumptions in the Classroom HHS 4M Ms. Dana Dray

Theoretical Assumptions The basic theoretical assumptions of the following theories would explain what happens in a classroom.

Functionalism Assumptions  Explains how society is to perform its required functions effectively  The family is an institution within society  Individuals within society have roles to play, each role has to play  The most prevalent behaviours are called “norms”  Change can occur if the structures within society can adjust to maintain an equilibrium, but this usually happens slowly Education  The rules within the classroom give it structure  Teachers have a higher status than students  Teachers and students each have their own roles to perform  There are norms or expected behaviours within the classroom for teachers and students

Systems Theories Assumptions  Attempts to explains how groups of individuals interact as a system  There are subsystems within the system  A change with one member of the system affect all others Education  The classroom is a system  The teacher’s behaviour affects the behaviour, & vice versa  Providing feedback is important

Symbolic Interactionism Assumptions  Explains how individuals choose how they will act based on their perceptions of themselves and of others  People need to give meaning to their experiences before they act on them  Individuals communicating with one another, but they may give different meanings to actions and words Education  Teachers & students each have their own perceptions of what it means to be a teacher and a student  How a teacher or student responds to a specific situation will depend on how each interprets the situation  Teachers & students may give different meanings to actions & words & this may cause problems

Social Exchange Theory Assumptions  Explains the social factors that influence how individuals interact within relationships  Within their roles, individuals act to maximize the benefits they receive and minimize the cost to themselves  Benefits to and costs of relationships are based on individuals’ perceptions not on facts Education  When choosing to complete class assignments, students weigh the costs ( e.g. less time to talk to friends) and the benefits (e.g. a good mark)

Conflict Theories Assumptions  Explains how power holds a society together  States that conflict exists between groups because of inequalities in power  Assumes groups compete with one another to meet their needs, but the needs of all groups cannot be met Education  Can result in the exploitation of those with less power by those with greater power  Within a school or classroom, there is a power imbalance  In a classroom where students have more power or control than the teacher, the class will not function effectively

Feminist Theories Assumptions  Explain the impact of sex and gender on behaviour  Consider issues from the viewpoint of women  Examine gender bias  Believe change is required to meet the needs of all people Education  Within schools, teachers can apply knowledge of recent on how males and females learn differently