Navigating the Unseen Path: Unveiling the Hidden Curriculum in Higher Education

Whitehead, Helen

Abstract

This paper explores the hidden curriculum, often described as the "untaught" aspect of the educational journey, which comprises explicit knowledge, norms, and behaviours essential for success. It becomes most apparent when students begin their university experience, as a smooth transition to university life significantly influences academic achievement and continuity. Before students engage with subject-specific learning, there is a transitional phase where students adapt to new environments, social circles, unfamiliar processes, and institution specific terminology. Given these adjustments, it is not surprising that some first-year students feel overwhelmed. To address this issue, an online resource has been developed, focusing on the hidden curriculum. The resource aims to guide students, covering crucial areas such as teaching and learning, assessments, marking, and available support services. First-year undergraduate students, subject heads and EDI leads within SEE were consulted in the resource development process. To ensure the accessibility of the online resource, marketing supported the development, to ensure its distribution before the 2024/25 academic year commences. The objective was to enhance the student experience and foster a sense of belonging, for example, for mature students, those from working-class backgrounds, minority ethnic students, and first-generation students. Longer-term outcomes will include determining if the resource has supported academic achievement and Pedagogy: LTEC Learning and Teaching Showcase Vol 1 (1) Whitehead 2 retention. The resource is initially available to undergraduate students within SEE but will subsequently be distributed to all schools across the university.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 13, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Feb 13, 2025
• Publication Date: Feb 13, 2025
• Deposit Date: Feb 14, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 14, 2025
• Journal: Pedagogy: LTEC Learning and Teaching Showcase
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 1
• Issue: 1
• Keywords: Hidden curriculum; inclusive design; transition; rules of the game; underrepresented students