What is a "hidden" curriculum?

A hidden curriculum refers to the life lessons that students learn at school that are not part of traditional study subjects and lesson plans. Part of a hidden curriculum includes learning how to pick up on social clues, interact with peers and establish values.

One aspect of the hidden curriculum is students learning to respect the authority of teachers. While this skill is essential for proper learning, some teachers may abuse their powers and demand unrelenting control over their students. A good teacher allows students to question his authority and ask questions, within reason, so the students become more inquisitive and do not take all information they receive verbatim.