Date of Award

Spring 2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Transformative Education and Social Change

Committee Chairperson

Dana Morrison Ph.D.

Committee Member

Jason Wozniak Ph.D.

Abstract

Throughout education in the U.S., students are many lessons. Most are designed to help them succeed on a slate of standardized tests that are claimed to measure and predict their ability and future success in the global market. This narrow view of the role of education in society creates an environment passing on many other messages to students. These messages, the hidden curriculum, has a significant impact on students beliefs in their ability to participate and thrive in learning, and so often it goes overlooked. This thesis will attempt to examine the effect of the hidden curriculum on one core aspect of psychology that is essential to engagement and motivation: self-efficacy. It will also propose a program to encourage teachers to recognize the hidden curriculum that is unintentionally taught to their students and brainstorm modes of reengaging those students who have been negatively impacted by that curriculum.

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