Name: Shiela Mae V.

Osman

MaEd-EdAd

“MY REFLECTION ON CONSENSUS AND CONFLICT THEORY”

One of the famous quotations says “No man is an island”. Human beings are social

species. Whether we like it or not, most of our daily activity takes place in the company of

others. Thus, human interaction will often create different social behavior that will also affect

the entire circle where each individual belongs and also through this interaction there will be

consensus and conflict that will take place in the society.

Based on my understanding from the reporter of this consensus and conflict theory I

can say that these two theories are quite opposite. The consensus theory focuses on the

development of individual potential. In this approach students are expected to nurture their

skills and they have the freedom to choose any profession that they would like to have in

their future. In a classroom setting, consensus approach is evident if it is student-centered and

everyone is involved in the decision making. Meetings and consultations are made to come

up with acceptable school rules and regulations. The teacher on this approach creates a

teaching-learning atmosphere that is inspiring and fulfilling. He/she should be open-minded

and approachable especially when students ask for clarifications. Teachers should explain to

the students that they are responsible for their own learning experience and to avoid so much

pressure when there are discipline issues it is important that in the beginning of school year

the teacher must imposed classroom rules and regulations that are agreed by the teacher and

the students.
 The Conflict theory, on the other hand, views education system as a means by which

those in power stay in power. For instance, during my college years I was a working student

from a family that I can say they have power since my employer was a businessman and also

a politician. When I was in college, I had two scholarships which is a great help for me

because I don’t have to pay for my tuition and not just that I also have my monthly

allowance. These two scholarships became possible through the initiative of my employer

which is a politician. During that time in order to get that scholarship that I had you need to

take an examination first and if you pass the exam that will be the time that you’ll be given

that scholarship. I was accepted that time because my employer already includes me in the

list for those who are eligible for the said scholarship even without taking the exam.

It was that time that I realized, and I experienced firsthand that so called “backer-

system” which is really happening in our society. As what they say “pag naa kay kapit

makasulod dayun ka sa trabaho”. Another example also, is that nowadays it is really difficult

for us who are graduate in education to get into the teaching profession or to be hired in

Deped. There are many competitors when you apply for the job and a sad reality that many of

education graduate are stuck being unemployed because there is no item or slot available for

them. But there is this ‘’backer system” again dominating in our society and worst is some

people who are in the higher position will used their power to take money from the applicant

for them to be able to get the job and be a permanent or regular employee. I know someone

who was able to get a permanent job after she give the money asked by those on the higher

rank. It is just a sad realization that there are applicants who are more deserving based on the

required qualification standards set by the department of education. This is one of the adverse

effects of conflict theory in our society in which they do not look on demonstrated skills and

merit.
 As a teacher in today’s generation, we play a big role in nurturing our students’

abilities and skills to be a productive citizen and help avoid conflict that is timely and

relevant in our society. Teacher should always act as a role model and create a learning

environment that is conducive for learning where inclusive education take place and everyone

has freedom to express his/her identity. We should aim to produce students that is experts in

all profession and recognize student’s potential for the benefit of the entire school system

which is also the goal of consensus approach. We have to remember that as teacher we have

very significant, lifelong impact on our students and remember that they are the future of this

country.