Republic of the Philippines
Region IV-A CALABARZON
LAGUNA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
GRADUATE SCHOOL AND APPLIED RESEARCH
Malinta, Los Baños, Laguna
FOUNDATION OF EDUCATION
Philline Grace N. Once
MAED-Mathematics
*Review the Functionalism, conflict, and symbolic interactionism, the perspectives and in
relation to education. Which of these theories do you most prefer? Explain why.
There were a lot of theories under Sociology in Education; fuctionalism, conflict and
symbolic interactionism. In fuctionalism theory, it discuss that it is a body of theories that
understand the world as a large system of interrelated parts that all work together. It
focuses on how social parts contribute in the society. It believes that everyone has a social
role in the society. It can also relate to education wherein the teachers should create
camaraderie and solidarity among students. It promotes cooperation in the class. On the
contrary, the other theory which is the opposite of functionalism is that Conflict Theory
wherein it is a theory that society is in the state of perpetual conflict because of competition
for limited sources. If the fuctionalism is the positive perspective, the conflict theory is the
negative perspective. It focuses on how social parts conflict in the society. In relation to
education, conflict theory believes that competition is better encouragement that
cooperation because it develops independence among students.
For me, I prefer conflict theory because it teaches students to become independent.
We, teachers can create a positive outlook through conflict theory. It is also a good
motivation for students to exert more effort.
* Identify one social issue in education that you had experienced in your teaching
profession. Explain how did you address or face the issue. Identify what theory/ies do you
think took place in your experience.
For me the social issue that I experience was receiving discouragement from others.
There were always some people that will criticize you no matter what you do. At first, those
criticisms were affecting my self-esteem but later on with the help and support of my family
and friends I overcome it and make those criticisms as a motivation to do better in the
future. I think the theory that may I apply in it was the conflict theory because I believe that
it is due to the hierarchy that exist in the society. Those people that do not accept you in
their group will tend to criticize and bring you down. It is on yourself if you view it positively.