WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

IN EACH TOPIC
TOPIC 1: WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY OF
EDUCATION

1. Meaning of Sociology of Education ( SoE);

2. Importance of Sociology of Education;

3. Theoretical approaches in SoE;
4. Describe the open systems model functions;
5. Various research methods used in studying
education institutions
TOPIC 2 : FUNCTIONS & PROCESSES
IN EDUCATION
1. Importance of structures and processes in the
educational systems;
2. Five social functions of education;
3. Different approaches to explain the functions of
education;
4. Dynamic roles of school and family in supporting
the functions of education.
TOPIC 3 : EDUCATION & THE PROCESS
OF STRATIFICATION

1. Definition of stratification and social class

2. Identify the determinants of social class
3. Meaning of Equality of Educational Opportunity;
4. Meaning of social stratification;
5. Social class reproduction in the school through
various mechanisms.
TOPIC 4 : RACE, CLASS & GENDER-
ACHIEVING IN EQUALITY IN EDUCATION
1. Meaning of equality of educational opportunity;
2. How the concepts of ‘equality’ and ‘inequality’ are
applicable in society;
3. Effects of socialisation based on race, class & gender
on achievement in school;
4. Barriers to achieving equality in education; and
5. Efforts made to attain equality in education.
 TOPIC 5 : STUDENTS –THE CORE OF THE
SCHOOL
1. Relationship amongst student characteristics, the school
organisation and academic achievement;
2. Causes of school failures and dropouts;
3. Identify the variables contributing to the existence of the
school climate;
4. How the variables affect student achievement;
5. How students environments affect their achievements in
school.
 TOPIC 6 : INFORMAL SYSTEM & HIDDEN
CURRICULUM

1. Identify variables in the informal education system that affect

students’ school experiences and academic achievements;
2. Define educational climate, and explain its effects on school
effectiveness;
3. Identify the power dynamics in the informal system and its
effects in social interaction and the relationship of participants;
4. Explain disciplinary problems in schools using some of the
theories in the study of disaffection from school.
TOPIC 7 : THE SCHOOL AS AN ORGANISATION
1.The components and subsystems that make up the social
structure of the school;
2. The roles of each subsystems in ensuring the smooth
operation and existence of the school as an organisation;
3. How school goals reflect the concerns of the larger
society, the community, participants in the school and
individuals;
4. The characteristics of bureaucracy; and
5. The problems in a bureaucratic model in education
settings.
TOPIC 8 : TEACHERS IN SOCIETY
1. The roles and responsibilities of teachers in the school
organisation;
2. The factors causing teacher burnout;
3. Examples of teacher expectations; and
4. Evaluate if teaching can be considered a full
professional status.
 TOPIC 9 : Transition from School to Work

1. The role of schools in preparing students for transition

from school to work;
2. Meaning of socialisation at the workplace
3. The school curriculum involved in preparing students
for employment;
4. The issues regarding schooling and jobs for young
people