Abstract

 
Introduction: The hidden curriculum is a set of values, attitudes, and norms that students lear outside of formal content through interactions, organizational culture, and the academic environment. This program plays an important role in shaping personality, social skills, creativity, and problem-solving, and educational rules and interpersonal relationships are effective in strengthening students' communication and social skills. This research investigated the effect of the hidden curriculum on students' social skills.
Materials & Methods: This research was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population included 2146 students, from which 326 individuals were selected as a sample using stratified random sampling and Morgan's table. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire (5 components and 46 questions) and a five-point Likert scale. After confirming validity and reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.85), data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-test, analysis of variance, and Spearman's correlation coefficient, with SPSS version 27 software.
Results: The findings indicate that the educational environment, interactions between professors and staff, and university rules influence students' experiences. The physical structure of the university did not have a positive effect on life skills and learning, but communications between professors, staff, and students had a positive effect on their social abilities and learning. Rules and regulations also played a role in shaping communication skills, learning, and social interaction. Furthermore, learning performance had a strong correlation with the development of life skills, and modern teaching methods and an interactive environment enhanced learning and empowered students in problem-solving.
Conclusion: The hidden curriculum plays a role in students' personal and social development by strengthening learning performance, communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. Improving the educational environment, modern teaching methods, and group discussions increases their active participation, and training workshops for professors and staff also enhance the quality of education and students' readiness to enter society.
Keywords: Hidden curriculum, social skills, life skills, learning