The Hidden Curriculum Theory

According to Glatthorn, Boschee and Whitehead (2006, p.74), a curriculum theory is a set of related educational concepts that affords a systematic and illuminating perspective on curricular phenomena. In a simpler term, a curriculum theory is an academic discipline devoted to examining and shaping educational curricula (Wikipedia, curriculum theory). One that would be a proponent of a structured-oriented curriculum would be concerned primarily with analyzing the components of the curriculum and their interrelationships. They will tend to be descriptive and explanatory in intent whereas, one that is a proponent of a value-oriented curriculum would be concerned primarily with analyzing the values and assumptions of curriculum makers and their

The hidden curriculum refers to the unwritten, unofficial, and often unintended lessons, values, and perspectives that students learn in school (Hidden curriculum, 2014). According to Glatthorn, Boschee and Whitehead (2012, p.25), the classroom is where most of the hidden curriculum come into play. The teacher uses several kinds of power to control the selection of content, the methods of learning, movement in the classroom, and the flow of classroom discourse. Students unconsciously learn the skills and traits required by society that is part of the curriculum such as; how to be punctual, clean, stand in line, take turns, and how to wait (Glatthorn, Boschee and Whitehead (2012,

I try imparting into them the importance of an education and how they contribute to the growth of our society. In my classroom, I am in control. I draw a clear line between what and how much my students are allowed to do in the classroom. In the first week of school, I establish my authority and I clearly and explicitly express my classroom and outside the classroom procedures that will be followed and the rights that every student has in the classroom. Some examples, all students have the right to learn, all students have a right to be heard, and all students have a right to be respected. There are consequences for those that chose not to abide. This set the tone for my classroom environment for the entire year so, that learning may take