Estante, Daryl Cloyd T December 2,

2020
BSE-3A English
ProfEd 312
The Teacher and the Community, School Culture and Organizational Leadership
Activity no. 3

1. Cite how schools at present are working on the realization of these 4 purposes
as cited by the functionalists.
The first basic purpose of school is intellectual purposes, it helps in the
acquisition of cognitive skills and inquiry skills of students. Meaning students can know
how to think on their own. Having this ability is essential in schools it promotes those to
become rational thinkers. It is the development of reason, through intellectual pursuit,
leading to individual enlightenment. Teaching with intellectual purpose should be like
opening a can of worms in your student's minds. Letting the questions and ideas
squirm, change, and challenge. It is one of the major purposes of education which is the
cognitive and intellectual purpose. The cognitive and intellectual purpose is important
because it focuses on improving the higher-order thinking skills and knowledge of the
student so that they can be literate and knowledgeable thinkers. Educational
Departments such as DepEd and CHED offer various scholarships for every student. By
providing sufficient scholarship assistance, we can enable greater success in college,
giving them the intellectual opportunities and providing deserving students who want to
graduate with their chosen degree and give back to society.
Second, the political purpose plays an important role in educating future citizens
in promoting patriotism, assimilation of immigrants, ensure order, public civility, and
conformity to laws. School systems came upon this with the help of the teachers and it
thought schools could help people learn how to govern themselves wisely and justly In
other words this Is helping the student to become more independent and have the
opportunity to engage and interact with others. The educational system is viewed as a
politicizing agent of society. The norms and values thus transmitted are compared with
those deemed necessary for a stable democratic political system. Education develops
civic skills, and this is valuable for the individual, to allow for meaningful participation in
civil society and political life and for society, to benefit from an informed and engaged
citizenship. Schools encourage students to join the student council and the government.
This will allow the students to develop leadership and political skills by organizing and
carrying out school activities and service projects. They help share student ideas,
interests, and concerns with the school wide community.
Third, the economic purpose believes that schools are beneficial to students to
get ahead in life economically. It helps prepares the students for later work roles, select
and train the labor force needed by society. Meaning they have to stay in school to gain
the knowledge and skill for their future career. Education in every sense is one of the
fundamental factors of development. No country can achieve sustainable economic
development without substantial investment in human capital. Education enriches
people's understanding of themselves and the world. It improves the quality of their lives
and leads to broad social benefits to individuals and society. Education raises people's
productivity and creativity and promotes entrepreneurship and technological advances.
Also, it plays a very crucial role in securing economic and social progress and improving
income distribution. Education develops productive skills, and this is valuable for the
individual, to advance in the labor market and for society, to improve and maintain
prosperity and compete in a globalized economy. K+12 Curriculum helps the Senior
High School students to be economically independent through the subject of the work
immersion program, that will provide students “real workplace” experience, giving
students a set of technical-vocational and livelihood skills that can help them make
more informed career choices and improve their employment prospects.
 Lastly, the social purpose, wherein schools promote a sense of social and moral
responsibility, serve as a site for the solution or resolution of social problems,
supplement the efforts of other institutions of socialization such as the family and the
church. Schools existed to help mold or guide students into what their society needed
and expected of them. School teaches students how to appropriately socialize with
others preparing them for the future when they get into society. Education can be a
vehicle for equity and greater social inclusion, or when absent, poorly delivered, or
unfairly distributed, a vehicle for injustice and greater social exclusion. Schools allow
students to join different school clubs, organizations, and ministries that will develop
their personal and social development. Joining student clubs, organizations and
ministries will allow them to meet a diverse population of people that allow them to
expand your thinking and interest.

2. Adherents to the conflict theory claim that schools teach loyalty so that those
in power remain in power and those below will forever be at the bottom. Do you
agree? Why or why not?

No, I do not agree with the claims of conflict theory because it only promotes
inequalities and a biased society. In this kind of perspective, it only loses those who
belong to the lower class and remains on top of those in power. If this inequality and
biased practice will continue this will nothing bring but conflict. It would create conflict
because it introduces change, change of treatment according to its social hierarchy
status. Others will find it as potential conflict between any groups where inequalities
exist: racial, gender, religious, political, economic, and so on. The conflict theory claims
opposed to what school's vision and mission that it truly advocates. Actually, yes school
was an advocate for the loyalty which is one of the most important character traits
everyone should have. In all areas of life, whether personal or professional, loyalty is
priceless and a top priority in every kind of relationship. But the teaching of loyalty is not
to the extent that it aims to have unequal and biased treatment to every student based
on their social status in life. The fulfillment of one’s education should not be closely
linked to social class. Students of low socioeconomic status should not be discriminated
against but instead helped by the parents, teacher, government, and the community
itself to pursue and afforded the same opportunities as students of higher status
because it is their fundamental human right to learn. Schools teach loyalty to every
student because it is part of the integration of moral values in all areas but its purpose is
not to put those below will forever be at the bottom but instead to let the lower class
have a right and opportunity to rise above their status. For a reason that schools do not
compromise the freedom and rights of every Filipino student. It is not also ethical to
believe that the purpose of education is to maintain social inequalities as what Conflict
theorists believe. It is truly wrong, instead, education should be a tool to eliminate social
inequalities. We should have proper treatment and equal access to education for all
regardless of one's social status. Schools should never dictate who will be placed on top
and the bottom. For I believed that, in terms of ideals and principles, Conflict theory
produce conflict that reflects unequal access to rights, resources, and power in society -
what we call social stratification, it is better to practice Functionalist theory because
aside from it disagree to what Conflict theorist believe, it also helps the school to teach
the students to be intellectual, political, economic and social literate for later roles, or
functions, in society. Indeed, I am YES to LOYALTY but NO to INEQUALITY.
3. Individuals act based on meaning. This meaning is based individuals’
experiences. Meanings change. Give two on implications of these symbolic
interactionist thoughts to education.

 First, an individual's action depends on meaning.

No, I do not agree with the claims of conflict theory because it only
promotes inequalities and a biased society. In this kind of perspective, it only
loses those who belong to the lower class and remains on top of those in power.
If this inequality and biased practice will continue this will nothing bring but
conflict. It would create conflict because it introduces change, change of
treatment according to its social hierarchy status. Others will find it as potential
conflict between any groups where inequalities exist: racial, gender, religious,
political, economic, and so on. The conflict theory claims opposed to what
school's vision and mission that it truly advocates. Actually, yes school was an
advocate for the loyalty which is one of the most important character traits
everyone should have. In all areas of life, whether personal or professional,
loyalty is priceless and a top priority in every kind of relationship. But the teaching
of loyalty is not to the extent that it aims to have unequal and biased treatment to
every student based on their social status in life. The fulfillment of one’s
education should not be closely linked to social class. Students of low
socioeconomic status should not be discriminated against but instead helped by
the parents, teacher, government, and the community itself to pursue and
afforded the same opportunities as students of higher status because it is their
fundamental human right to learn. Schools teach loyalty to every student
because it is part of the integration of moral values in all areas but its purpose is
not to put those below will forever be at the bottom but instead to let the lower
class have a right and opportunity to rise above their status. For a reason that
schools do not compromise the freedom and rights of every Filipino student. It is
not also ethical to believe that the purpose of education is to maintain social
inequalities as what Conflict theorists believe. It is truly wrong, instead, education
should be a tool to eliminate social inequalities. We should have proper treatment
and equal access to education for all regardless of one's social status. Schools
should never dictate who will be placed on top and the bottom. For I believed
that, in terms of ideals and principles, Conflict theory produce conflict that reflects
unequal access to rights, resources, and power in society - what we call social
stratification, it is better to practice Functionalist theory because aside from it
disagree with what Conflict theorist believe, it also helps the school to teach the
students to be intellectual, political, economic and social literate for later roles, or
functions, in society. Indeed, I am YES to LOYALTY but NO to INEQUALITY.

 Different people may give different meanings to the same thing.

Every single person is a unique puzzle composed of pieces of personality,

life experiences, knowledge, and emotions. Every person has their perspective
and world view, largely fueled by the way they've experienced and navigated the
world. If when a student is quite, some of his/her classmates see it as an
expression of being shy. Others may come up with their absurd assumptions of
being mysterious. Here are just some of misconceptions that stereotypically
judges those who have this introvert personality. Since each human being is
unique, this made someone distinct among others. However, society always
imposes on us a collective ways of behaving, and people never stop to wonder
why we should behave like that. Those who don’t understand the various
reasons why this happens usually decide to come up with their absurd
assumptions about what quiet people are up to. For a reason that there are a lot
of folks out there who have strange ideas about quiet people. Again, this
 assumption doesn’t solely fit into the characteristics of quiet people. Someone
who usually or often feels shy might think of himself or herself as a shy person.
Sometimes being quiet and introverted is a sign that someone has a naturally
shy personality. But that's not always the case. Being quiet is not always the
same as being shy. On the other hand, introverts can seem mysterious which
makes them interesting. People want to know what they are thinking, how they
are reacting, how they are evaluating different things and people, and how they
are feeling but frequently introverts don't share these things or only do so in small
doses. The point is try not to judge those who are quieter than you, and don’t
project what you would do into situations where those other people are not you.
Everyone handles situations differently and we are all unique beings just trying to
get along on this planet.

Let's Check for Understanding

Which social science theory is referred to?
1. The overall health of society depends upon the healthy functioning of its institutions.
*STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL THEORY
2. Meanings that individuals give to symbols change over time.
*SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY
3. Faulty communication can result from differences in the perception of the same
events and symbols.
*SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY
4. Schools teach humanitarian attitude, altruism, democracy, civil rights, and other
positive aspects of society to preserve society and social order.
*STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL THEORY
5. When one institution fails to function, another institution ought to come in to perform
the function for the stability of society.
*STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL THEORY
6. A new society comes as a result of the resolution of clash between the powers that
be and the workers.
*CONFLICT THEORY
7. Two opposing sides are welcomed. This paves the way to change.
*CONFLICT THEORY
8. When one institution fails to perform its function, the other institutions showed come
in for the preservation of society.
*STRUCTURAL FUNCTIONAL THEORY
9. One weakness of this theory is this is focused on small interactions.
*SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY
10. Differences in meaning of symbols for both sender and receiver result to
misunderstanding.
*SYMBOLIC INTERACTION THEORY
Let's Reflect
1. Based on the lesson on symbolic-interactionist theory and the movie, The Little
Prince, what does this quote mean: “Words are a source of misunderstanding.”
Any personal message? Write it down.

Based on the lesson on symbolic-interactionist theory and the movie, The Little

Prince, “Words are a source of misunderstanding.” means that ineffective usage of
language could be a cause of misunderstanding and conflict. Where in fact, the pilot in
the story have a hard to understand the little prince. The pilot also knows what he
means, he was tired of explaining a thing over and over again, and by explaining
nothing becomes vivid, it just makes everything harder: “Grown-ups never understand
anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever
explaining things to them.” Sometimes, the language instead of being a device of
communication has changed into a confusing, incomprehensible tool. Explaining oneself
instead of clearing the matter leads to more confusion and misunderstanding. It quite
happens sometimes, If someone doesn't understand the words used to define or
express something, how can anyone understand the meaning? Therefore, a
misunderstanding ensues. It might be in written or verbal, explicit or implicit way
language often misused and misunderstood. Avoiding any misunderstanding of what
one has written is the whole point of punctuation, word choice and placement. Proper
grammar helps one present one's thoughts in a more easily understood manner:
attention to clarity, precision, and logic make comprehension by the reader more
probable. Additionally, if your words are misspelled, disordered, or simply chosen
inaptly, how is the reader to understand what you mean? There is a huge difference
between certain words that can change the entire meaning of your sentence. To realize
the importance of spelling: compare public/pubic; statutes/statues/status;
insidious/invidious. You see, it is one of the many instances that if the usage of
language was ineffectively misused could lead to misunderstanding, that is why one
single letter can make all the difference. Our goal is to choose and arrange our words,
phrases, punctuation, modifiers, and all other elements of construction in such a clear
and precise manner as to make it impossible to be misunderstood. But, if the root of
misunderstanding lies in the foundation of language then language can also be the
source of understanding and solutions to problems. Human beings are unique in that
they can clear up misunderstandings by using words in a new way to describe reality.
Language may be confusing at times but it can clear up confusion. Misunderstanding
could only be avoided, if we just know how to use the language properly and ethically.
That is why in the story, the fox as a friend of the little prince, it advises him that the best
way to tame someone is to be responsible of our words we utter. It added also that
since language is a source of misunderstanding we must be a purposive communicator,
to prevent that words are becomes like swords, if you use them the wrong way, it'll turn
into ugly weapons. That is why one of the lesson also in the story is don't judge others
by their words, but by what they do. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION to avoid
MISUNDERSTANDING and CONFUSION. 
Taking it to the Net
Research on more school practices based on the functionalist theory, conflict theory
and symbolic interaction theory. Write them on a whole sheet of paper to be passed in
class.

I. School practices based on Functionalist Theory

 Socialization - Beginning in preschool and kindergarten, students are taught to
practice various societal roles. The French sociologist Émile Durkheim (1858–
1917), who established the academic discipline of sociology, characterized
schools as “socialization agencies that teach children how to get along with
others and prepare them for adult economic roles” (Durkheim 1898). Indeed, it
seems that schools have taken on this responsibility in full. Under this
socialization are learning the rules and norms of the society and transmition
of the core values.
 Social Placement - Education also provides one of the major methods used by
people for upward social mobility. College and graduate schools are viewed as
vehicles for moving students closer to the careers that will give them the financial
freedom and security they seek. As a result, college students are often more
motivated to study areas that they believe will be advantageous on the social
ladder. A student might value business courses over a class in Victorian poetry
because she sees business class as a stronger vehicle for financial success.
Under this social placement it includes to fulfills latent functions, introduces
students to social networks, learning about various social issues, it
educate and enculturate students, and it fill the role of preparing students
for competition in life.
 Sorting - Another role of schools, according to functionalist theory, is that of
sorting, or classifying students based on academic merit or potential. The most
capable students are identified early in schools through testing and classroom
achievements. Such students are placed in accelerated programs in anticipation
of successful college attendance.
II. School practices based on Conflict Theory
 Cultural Capital - Such a situation leads to social class reproduction, extensively
studied by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. He researched how cultural
capital, or cultural knowledge that serves (metaphorically) as currency that helps
us navigate a culture, alters the experiences and opportunities available to
French students from different social classes. Members of the upper and middle
classes have more cultural capital than do families of lower-class status. As a
result, the educational system maintains a cycle in which the dominant culture’s
values are rewarded. Instruction and tests cater to the dominant culture and
leave others struggling to identify with values and competencies outside their
social class. For example, there has been a great deal of discussion over what
standardized tests such as the SAT truly measure. Many argue that the tests
group students by cultural ability rather than by natural intelligence.
 Hidden Curriculum - The cycle of rewarding those who possess cultural capital
is found in formal educational curricula as well as in the hidden curriculum, which
refers to the type of nonacademic knowledge that students learn through informal
learning and cultural transmission. This hidden curriculum reinforces the
positions of those with higher cultural capital and serves to bestow status
unequally.
 Tracking - Conflict theorists point to tracking, a formalized sorting system that
places students on “tracks” (advanced versus low achievers) that perpetuate
inequalities. While educators may believe that students do better in tracked
classes because they are with students of similar ability and may have access to
more individual attention from teachers, conflict theorists feel that tracking leads
to self-fulfilling prophecies in which students live up (or down) to teacher and
 societal expectations (Education Week 2004). Under this tracking it includes how
schools play the role of training working-class students to accept and retain
their position as lower members of society and how IQ tests have been attacked
for being biased—for testing cultural knowledge rather than actual intelligence.
III. School practices based on Symbolic Interaction Theory
 Credentialism - it embodies the emphasis on certificates or degrees to show
that a person has a certain skill, has attained a certain level of education, or has
met certain job qualifications. These certificates or degrees serve as a symbol of
what a person has achieved, and allows the labeling of that individual. Under this
credentialism is the labeling with which symbolic interactionists concern
themselves extends to the very degrees that symbolize completion of education.

Reference:

Lumen Introduction to Sociology. (n.d.) Theoretical Perspective on Education.

Retrieved from: courses.lumenlearning.com/sociology/chapter/theoretical-
perspectives-on-education/

LET Clinchers
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. Which is an application of the functionalist theory?
A. Schools must do their part to socialize children or else children will turn
out to be delinquent citizens.
B. Schools must teach students to accept their status in life for there is nothing that
they can do about it.
C. Schools must make learners understand that in life there will always be the
powerful and the powerless.
D. Schools must teach students to speak in clear symbols.
2. Who is associated with the conflict theory?
A. Weber
B. Dewey
C. Marx
D. Durkheim
3. Which theory states that it is okay to have clashes in society?
A. Functionalism
B. Symbolic interactionism
C. Conflict theory
D. Social Darwinism
4. According to the functionalist theory, what happens when one institution fails to do
its part?
A. Other institutions get paralyzed
B. The non-functioning institution gets eliminated
C. Other institutions take over the function
D. The non-performing institution gets penalized
5. For an ideal interaction in the community what must be observed?
A. The symbol must be contemporary.
B. Don't use symbols.
C. Those involved must analyze the meaning of the symbol.
D. The symbol must be clear to both giver and receiver.