Social Capital Theory

Thomas Sander (2016) defines social capital as the collective value of

all social networks (who people know), and the inclinations that arise from
these networks to do things for each other (norms of reciprocity). Social
networks create values for the people who are connected that is the central
premise of social capital.
Social capital is also categorized into two groups: a) in terms of norms
and, b) in terms of resources. One views that social capital as group assets
can be shared when group norms are enforced (Putnam, 2000). And, the
other views social capital as resources embedded in individual relationships
(Liou & Chang, 2008).
Social Capital and Education
Whereas physical capital refers to physical objects and human
capital refers to the properties of individuals, social capital
refers to connections among individuals social networks and
the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from
them (Putnam, 2000, p. 19).
For the normative perspective, teachers apply learning and teaching
strategies to promote a learning atmosphere within the class and increase
students interactions. The strategies help to shape a shared value that
learning becomes beneficial among students. For the resource-oriented
perspective, teachers build positive relationships among students to scaffold
learning and share resources, particularly useful for students with individual
needs.
References:
Liou, T. Y. & Chang, N. Y. (2008). The applications of social capital theory in
education. Hsiuping Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 11, p. 99-122.
Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone. The collapse and revival of American
community, New York: Simon and Schuster.
Sander, T. (2016). What does social capital mean? Retrieved from
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/saguaro/faqs.htm 2016-04-20.