Hidden Curriculum
What is Hidden Curriculum?
Brenda Myles refers to such rules as the “Hidden Curriculum” defined by Jerald (2006) as an implicit curriculum that expresses and represents attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours, which are conveyed or communicated indirectly by words and actions that are parts of the life of everyone in a society.
For additional information on the Hidden Curriculum and why it is important please: click here.
Wellbeing and Happiness
Research suggests that the difficulties experienced by young people with autism in regard to social skills are often the most significant challenge, as they can negatively affect the ability to develop and maintain meaningful relationships (Reichow and Volkmar 2010), thus impacting on wellbeing and maybe happiness.
It is therefore important to respect that those with autism are entitled to live the ‘good life’.
For additional information on Wellbeing and Happiness please: click here.
The Role of Education in Autism
It is suggested that approximately 26% of adults with autism lead isolated and less productive lives, with limited friendships and engagement in occupational, vocational, or recreational social activities (Cederlund et al. 2008).
Brenda Myles asks us to recognise the purpose of education for those who have a “complex exceptionality” and to support the fulfilment of their “limitless potential”.
Listen to Brenda Myles discuss Limitless Potential:
Sulaimani & Gut, (2019) advise:
Hidden Curriculum Variables
Cognisance must be given to the format of this teaching. Brenda Myles reminds us that the content of the Hidden Curriculum modifies and evolves depending on particular variables.
To listen to Brenda Myles discuss please: click here.
Age
What was appropriate to be taught and learned when the child or young person is 6-years old, is different to the set of social interactions when the student is 16-years old.
To listen to Brenda Myles discuss please: click here.
Who You Are With
Jokes are only funny with the right audience; it can be easy to get that bit wrong.
To listen to Brenda Myles discuss please: click here.
Cultural Difference
To listen to Brenda Myles discuss please: click here.
Differences in Gender
We may inadvertently teach “girl” social skills when young men need to know how to talk to and be with to other young men.
To listen to Brenda Myles discuss please: click here.