Comprehensive LET Reviewer: Social Dimensions of Education

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the social dimensions, purposes of schooling, and major sociological theories in education based on the LET reviewer.

Social Dimensions of Education

Refers to all obstacles to access, progress, and completion in education, with the strongest emphasis on barriers to access.

Sociology

Provides educators with a special perspective in studying the school and society as social organizations.

Cognitive Purpose of School

The role of the school to teach basic cognitive skills such as reading, writing, and speaking.

Political Purpose of School

The role of the school to inculcate patriotism or loyalty to the existing political order.

Social Purpose of School

The role of the school concerned with the socialization of citizens into their various roles in society.

Economic Purpose of School

The role of the school involving training and preparation of citizens for the world of work.

Consensus Theory

A theory focusing on social order based on shared norms and values, where social changes occur in a slow and orderly fashion.

Conflict Theory

A theory emphasizing the dominance of some social groups by others, viewing social change as occurring rapidly and in a disorderly fashion.

Structural Functionalism

The state that society is made up of various institutions that work together in cooperation.

Adaptation (AGIL)

A functional imperative stating a system must cope with external situational exigencies.

Goal Attainment (AGIL)

A functional imperative stating a system must define and achieve its primary goals.

Integration (AGIL)

A functional imperative stating a system must regulate the interrelationship of its component parts.

Latency (Pattern Maintenance)

A functional imperative where a system must furnish, maintain, and renew the motivation of individuals and the cultural patterns that sustain it.

Interaction Theories

Theories focusing on the communication and Relationships that exist among and between groups in education, such as peers, teachers, and students.

Labeling Theory

A theory related to expectations where labels (e.g., gifted, slow learner) assigned by others determine student behavior and quality of learning.

Exchange Theory

A theory based on the concept of reciprocity where reciprocal interactions bind individuals with obligations and result in rewards and benefits.

Symbolic Interaction

A theory focusing on the interpretation (social meaning) given to behavior and how it helps construct the social world and identities.

The Looking-Glass Self

Charles H. Cooley's concept explaining that we form perceptions of ourselves based on how we think other people perceive us.