AFFECTS OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC CLASS ON LEARNING

Affects of Socio-economic Class on Learning

Affects of Socio-economic Class on Learning

Class is one of the invisible forms of discrimination. Yet its presence is felt all the time. It affects on the way what students learn and how the learn at every point. It encompasses the values, the purpose and the objective of universities and colleges. (Brookhart, 2007) It also contributes in determining what courses are offered and what book to be read and discussed in class. Still, it is an issues based on huge diversity which has been rarely given any kind of acknowledgement.

Class is among the most difficult factors that could be easily defined. Try asking a group to divide itself according to their social class and a huge chaos will rise. What is the difference between poor, middle-class and high class people? What about those professional who make very little money? This paper will draw a rough line between the higher, middle and lower class people.

How does class affects learning?

The Lower Class:

The most important factor that affects the learning of students belonging to lower class is lack of confidence level based on perceived or real weaknesses in the preparation. Such students often go to their college having lower level of academic qualities, skills and class sophistication than that of their upper and middle and upper class fellows. As they generally try skipping their classes, this in turn affects their performance in their class. (Hobbs, 2000)This affects their way of perceiving their ability to give their best as well as their placement in acquiring higher education. Even though, these students are well-prepared beforehand, yet uncertainty of situations can lead them to stay quiet and less engaged in their class activities.

Additionally, such students are inclined to be less capable of working and getting along with the system. They generally have difficulty in navigating policies, rules and regulations. It becomes difficult for them to find the right person and seek help from him or her. they are not aware of what might have been available for them. In addition to this, a number of students face troubles finding their majors and courses that interests them, fulfill their needs and acknowledge their experiences. Majority of the students have to work while studying, which also creates limitations in terms of time available to study and affects their studies. (Hobbs, 2000)

These lower class students often feel unwelcomed in their class. They are very much aware of their position in the class and thus try to hide their social background. On the other hand, these students have complete awareness of the importance of higher education, highly inclined towards motivation and really know how to work hard. They are often distinguished by a strong determination and fierce goal orientation. These students have strong understanding of work ethics.

The Middle Class:

Students belonging to middle class are generally quite aware of their position. They are at least able to assume their status in the university and come with a fair idea for ...