SCHOOL AS A SOCIAL SYSTEM

Synopsis

This unit consists of five topics. First and foremost you will be given you an overall understanding of the basic concepts of Sociology and Sociology of Education and the pattern of interaction and behaviour will be discussed in the educational setting. The second topic will explore the school as a social system; looking into its conceptual aspects, the roles and personalities in running an organisation while the third topic will investigate some of the bureaucratic elements and practices in schools. Topic four on Management and Discipline will allow you to study the school climate, disciplinary issues concerning schools, conflicts and stress in the school. Lastly, in the fifth topic, we shall discuss the effects of collaboration between community and schools towards the development of students’ progress.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. describe the various sociological concepts and terminologies.
2. explain the theories related to sociology of education.
3. describe the elements that form the school social system.
4. explain the conflict of goals and functions within the school.
5. describe the various elements that make up the school as a bureaucratic organisation.
6. explain the concepts of school climate, stress and conflict within the school organization.