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Unit 2 L1 Social Systems Model

The lesson discusses the school as a social system composed of interdependent roles, norms, and relationships among administrators, teachers, students, and support staff. It highlights the impact of schools on learners through socialization, role allocation, social mobility, and skill development, while also addressing challenges such as inequality and cultural gaps. Schools play a crucial role in shaping individuals' contributions to society and must strive for equity and inclusivity.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
20 views17 pages

Unit 2 L1 Social Systems Model

The lesson discusses the school as a social system composed of interdependent roles, norms, and relationships among administrators, teachers, students, and support staff. It highlights the impact of schools on learners through socialization, role allocation, social mobility, and skill development, while also addressing challenges such as inequality and cultural gaps. Schools play a crucial role in shaping individuals' contributions to society and must strive for equity and inclusivity.
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Unit 2:

School as a
social system
Lesson 1: Social Systems Model
and Its Basic Concepts
A school can be understood as a social
Overview of system with interdependent parts, defined
population, differentiation from the
the lesson envronement, a complex social network,
and unique culture
Objectives of the lesson:

• Discuss the basic concepts of school as a social system


and how they impact individual learners, classrooms,
schools and the larger community;
• Describe social interactions and their importance in
building harmonious relationship with the wider school
community;
• Inculcate strategies that builds relationships with
parents/guardians and the wider community.
How do you define school?

It is a place or an institution for teaching and learning;

A place for training and instruction in some special field,


skill, etc.
School accdg. To the Other Institutions….

PRIMARY MEANING
A place where children or young people receive
education, typically under the age of 19.

SPECIALIZED INSTITUTIONS
A university, college, or department focusing on a
specific subject, such as a law school or art school.
PHILOSOPHICAL/ARTISTIC SCHOOL
A group of writers, artists, or thinkers who share similar
ideas, opinions, or styles (e.g. school of arts or any institution
that offers ARTS/painting only)
The word originates from Old English scōl, derived from
Latin schola and Greek skholē, meaning "leisure spent in
learning"
School as a Social System

• A school is a structured social system composed of


interdependent roles, norms, and relationships. It includes
administrators, teachers, students, and support staff who
collaborate to achieve educational goals.
• Schools operate as open systems, interacting with their
environment by transforming inputs (students) into outputs
(graduates) through structured processes such as teaching
and learning.
KEY FEATURES

FORMAL AND INFORMAL NORMS


Schools enforce formal rules while also fostering
informal social norms that guide behavior.

INTERDEPENDENCE
The success of one role often depends on the effective
functioning of others. For instance, teachers rely on
administrative support and student engagement to fulfill
their duties.
ROLE DIFFERENTIATION
Each member of the school community has a specific
role. For example, administrators enforce policies, teachers
impart knowledge, and students engage in learning while
preparing for future societal roles.
CULTURAL SYSTEM
Schools develop unique cultures through shared values
and norms that influence behavior and interactions within the
institution.
IMPACT ON LEARNERS

Schools influence learners in several profound ways:

1. Socialization
Schools are primary agents of socialization, teaching cultural
norms, values, and expectations. They instill respect for authority,
cooperation, and social rules (e.g., taking turns or speaking in class),
which prepare students for broader societal participation.
2. Role Allocation

schools identify students' talents and guide them toward


appropriate career paths. This role allocation supports societal
maintenance by preparing individuals for economic roles based on
their abilities.
3. Social Mobility
Education provides opportunities for upward mobility by
equipping learners with skills needed for higher education and
careers. This function is particularly evident in advanced schooling
systems that emphasize merit-based sorting.
4. Development of Skills
Schools teach not only academic content but also
critical life skills such as communication, teamwork, and
discipline. These skills are essential for success in both
personal and professional spheres.
CHALLENGES

Despite their benefits, schools as a school system face challenges:


Inequality
Differences in funding and resources can perpetuate
social disparities.

Hidden Curriculum
Implicit lessons about conformity may limit critical thinking
or reinforce existing power structures.
Cultural Gaps
Students from minority backgrounds may struggle with
cultural norms that differ from their own.
As social system…

Schools are vital institutions that shape individuals' capacities to


contribute to society while maintaining its structure by:
fostering academic knowledge, social skills, and cultural
understanding;
prepare learners for future roles but must continually address
systemic challenges to ensure equity and inclusivity in education.
Thank you for attending class!!!


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