The hidden curriculum

Are you “in the know” or “on the out?” Well, many college students don’t even know where they stand thanks to our friend, the hidden curriculum. The hidden curriculum refers to the set of norms and rules within a formal education context that are considered to be universal, but often are obscured for many typically first-generation and lower-income students. These unspoken rules can manifest in a number of ways that impact students' abilities to learn within an academic setting.

One example of how the hidden curriculum may manifest in a college environment is through the use of academic language, culture and structure. Students who come from backgrounds where academic language and academic culture might not be emphasized may struggle to understand and navigate the expectations of their professors, such as in the structuring of academic papers or interpreting complex academic language. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration and isolation amplified by “imposter syndrome,” particularly for first-generation, low-income students or international students.

A common example of institutionalized academic culture that may be misinterpreted comes from professors' office hours announcements. Many first-generation students report interpreting professors announcing their office hours as times in the professor's schedule where they wish to be left alone in their office, instead of times professors set aside specifically for assisting their students. One effort to combat this potential confusion is to refer to office hours instead as “student hours'' which more directly communicates the function of that allotted time.

Another example of the hidden curriculum in a college environment is the expectation of participating in extracurricular activities. Students who are aware of this norm may join clubs and organizations, attend networking events and engage in volunteer work to boost their resumes and make connections with potential employers. However, for students who are unaware of this expectation, they may miss out on valuable opportunities to develop their skills and networks, potentially impacting their career prospects.

Overall, the hidden curriculum in college can have a significant impact on students' experiences and outcomes, particularly for those who are not familiar with the norms and expectations of academia. It is important for educators to be aware of the hidden curriculum and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.