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Educators can gain a lot by studying sociology. Thomas (1995), says that sociology can help educators to gain a fresh view of themselves and the world. Rather than relying on common sense, which often turns out to be incorrect, sociology teaches them to look at social life in a scientific, systematic way. Some of the uses include:
a) Sociological perspective helps educators see themselves as social beings. They are thus able to realize that they too can make mistakes and should avoid rigidity wile dealing with learners. They also realize that some of the behaviours students display at school are consequences of influences by family backgrounds. They will consequently devise suitable mechanisms to stop undesirable traits such as prejudice.
b) Sociological perspective helps educators broaden their view of the social world. It makes them aware that there are diverse perceptions of social reality. Educators are able to see beyond their day to day world by viewing the world through the eyes of others. They can now, in their arguments and decision making, analyze an idea from the learner's perspective. This helps minimize misunderstanding and antagonism in schools.
c) Sociology helps educators find an acceptable balance between their personal desires and the demands of the social environment. If educators are allowed to always do what they want, like leaving the school compound when they feel like, or missing lessons, conflicts are likely to occur in learning institutions. On the other hand, if educators are denied any room for creativity and have to act like robots, always doing what others and the administration want without any questioning, they will hardly improve as individuals. Knowledge of sociology will assist teachers to decide on the most acceptable behaviour in different circumstances and the likely outcome.
d) Sociology can aid educators to view their lives within a larger social and historical context. It can give them insights into how the social environment shapes them and how they in turn shape the social environment. This ability to see the connection between the larger world and their personal lives enables them to make positive contributions to society. They are sensitized on their role in society. Teachers are made to realize that they are not only implementing the curriculum but are also role models, surrogate parents and counsellors to the learners. This realization enables them to carry out their profession with much more seriousness.
francis1897 answered the question on August 17, 2022 at 12:48
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