Sociology of education is an important field of study for teachers and educators.

Understanding of
sociology of education shape teachers of education and society is crucial to developing effective
teaching strategies and curriculums. Definition of term sociological and teacher will be reviewed in
the paper

Hall, (2005) defined sociology is a discipline concerning itself with interpretative understanding of
human societies. According to Henslin, (2009) ssociology is a social science that studies human
societies and culture. There, sociology is the study of human societies. According to Cambridge
University (2015) teaching is the process of imparting knowledge and skills in learners.

Sociology of education makes ECD teachers to take into cognizance the importance of holistic
development of learners. Learners must not be developed their cognitive domain only. Sociology of
education , asserts that the role of education is to impart skills in learners. Therefore, in education
teachers have a role to develop the psychomotor domain, emotional domain as well social domains
of learners. ECD teachers must be teaching the infant school learners the necessary skills and
knowledge to become productive members of society. ECD teachers can apply functionalist
perspectives to develop age-appropriate curriculum and activities that promote social integration
and prepare children for their future roles. For instance, skills like drawing must be emphasized

Furthermore, sociology of education views education as a social institution that serves specific
functions in society. It emphasizes the role of education in socializing students. According to Watson,
(2019), sociology of education asserts that the major role of education is to socialize children into
the culture of their society. This knowledge helps ECD teachers to be aware that there major role at
school is to socialize children into the culture of their society. Socialization is the process of
transmitting values and norms, language, and valuable aspects of culture children. Education has
being the dominant socialization agent of the twenty first century. Therefore, the teaching
approaches must be aligned with transmitting the most valuable aspects of the society. For instance,
in Zimbabwe our culture is anchored by the concept of unhu/ubuntu. This means that teaching
activities and concepts must develop the concept of unhu in children

Moreover , sociology of education makes teachers aware of the relationship between education and
social class. It argues that education perpetuates social inequalities by reinforcing the dominant
ideology and reproducing existing class structures (Riddel., 2015). ECD teachers can use Marxist
perspectives to critically examine their own teaching practices and strive for equity and social justice
in the classroom, ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have an equal
opportunity to succeed.

Sociology of education also looks at the role played by social class in the academic performance of
learners. According to Marxism different socioeconomic statuses have got impact on the academic
performance of learners. Sociology asserts that asserts that learners from poor socio economic
status are negatively impacted in the learning process. This because they do not have adequate
resources for learning. Resources such as books, school uniforms can be challenging for learners
from poor socioeconomic status which makes them to perform less in school. On the other end,
learners from affluent classes have got an upper hand advantage that makes them do well in school.
According to Masango, (2017) the learners have got resources and the language they speak is the
one used at school. So with resources such as language and educational materials such as laptops,
books the learners will do well. Haiving this knowledge will help teachers to devise strategies to
assist learners from different socioeconomic statuses. For instance, providing notes to read for
learners from poor socio economic status.

Moreover, sociology of education compels teachers to be inclusive of learners. According to

To sum up, the paper looked at the relevance of sociology of education and Marxism in ECD teacher
curriculum. Sociology makes teachers to be aware of the factors that affects the learning process.
Sociology of education makes ECD teachers to take into cognizance the importance of holistic
development of learners. Learners must not be developed their cognitive domain only. Sociology of
education , asserts that the role of education is to impart skills in learners.

References

Cambridge dictionary (2011). English dictionary. Cambridge: Cambridge printing press.

Hall, N. (2003). . Social Development and Urban Poverty. Harare: School of Social Work.

Henslin, M. (2009). Social Problems. London: Prentice Hall.

Hunt, A. (2013). Education and empowerment: You are nobody until somebody trains you. New York:
The Gurdian Post.
Riddel. (2015). Reforms of educational efficiency and equity in developing countries. London:
McIntoish press.