Gaurav Soni
October 05, 2023 03:35
15523
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Explore the essence of education that goes beyond rote learning. Discover how critical thinking, lifelong learning, and self-growth define a well-educated individual.
Q8: Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.
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“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey
Education in formal terms can be defined as a systematic and purposeful process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes that empowers individuals to understand the world, develop their abilities, and contribute meaningfully to society. The aim of formal education is to transform a student into a valuable asset in personal as well as social spheres. It provides the individuals with tools to make informed choices, navigate the changing circumstances of life and contribute positively to the progress of society in general. Overall, education helps an individual reach their true potential.
However, education cannot be seen as a process limited to the confines of schools and colleges only. It begins the day we regain consciousness. From family, we learn values and basic life skills. In school we learn to make these skills productive and learn how to employ them to our advantage. After school, practical education, which is the most important aspect of one’s life. It can be said that education in informal terms continues till the day we die.
Education is often associated with formal schooling and the acquisition of knowledge and skills within a structured environment. However, the true essence of education lies beyond the confines of a classroom and extends to the lifelong process of learning and personal growth.
The contribution of formal education though has always taken a central role when education is talked about. It provides a structured and comprehensive foundation of knowledge and skills. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Formal education often leads to recognized qualifications and credentials, which are essential for accessing a wide range of career opportunities. Further, schools and educational institutions serve as socialization hubs where individuals learn essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and time management.
While formal schooling teaches specific subjects and knowledge, the true value of education goes beyond the memorization of facts and information. Scientists like Albert Einstein as a child did not thrive well under the formal educational setup but he used practical experiences to build an educational base for himself. For him, the meaning of education went beyond mere learning facts and mundane skills. Education for him meant something that will be carried forward with a person throughout their life.
At the time in India when the British model of Education based on Macaulay’s ideas was being hailed as the best way of formal education, two very different perspectives emerged which were based on utility as well as the ultimate motive of the education. One school of thought belonged to Gandhi Ji who believed in holistic education that focused on the development of the individual’s physical, moral, intellectual, and spiritual aspects. Another school of thought was Rabindranath Tagore, who emphasized freedom and creativity as pillars of education.
Gandhiji believed in learning through practical experience. He encouraged students to engage in activities like manual labour, farming, and community service. He believed that education should instil values like truth, non-violence, simplicity, and humility in individuals and character development for him remained as one the central objectives of education. In the context of the economic conditions of India at that time, he promoted simple living and self-sufficiency. His educational model encouraged students to live modestly and be self-reliant, learning essential life skills in the process.
Rabindranath Tagore, on the other hand, believed that education should be nature centric, and learning should take place in natural surroundings, and nature should be an integral part of the curriculum. Tagore emphasized the importance of freedom and creativity in education. He believed that students should have the autonomy to explore their interests and express themselves through art, music, and literature. Tagore celebrated diversity and believed that education should respect and embrace cultural differences. He emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and mutual respect. Tagore’s educational philosophy aimed at the holistic development of individuals, including their spiritual and ethical growth. He believed that education should nurture the inner self and foster a sense of moral responsibility.
Though both the models were given at the time of Independence, they remain relevant in the present as well. Looking at how the Indian demography is going to be dominated by young people in coming years, one needs to focus on skill development as well as self-reliance. The objective of education thus should not be to complete school years but to make the time spent in school relevant in the real world. At present, around 42% graduates in India struggle to find jobs, thus emphasizing the importance of Gandhian philosophy in education.
Similarly, when one educates oneself not just in subjective terms but in a holistic manner as suggested by Tagore, they become an asset to society as well as continuing to inspire generations after them. One such example is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam who used every resource and opportunity at his hand to become not only the prestigious Missile Man of India but also one of the most loved Presidents of India.
That means the purpose of education is not only to impart knowledge and skills, but also to foster critical thinking, creativity, and personal development. Education should equip individuals with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the world and make informed decisions. It should encourage individuals to explore their passions and interests, and to develop a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Ultimately, education should empower individuals to become active and engaged members of society who contribute positively to their communities.
Also, another important aspect of education is its role in promoting social justice and equality. Education has the power to break down barriers and create opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. It can provide a pathway out of poverty and help individuals overcome systemic barriers such as racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. By promoting access to education for all individuals, we can create a more just and equitable society.
Although formal education is seen as a non-negotiable part of a child’s education, it cannot be the only way one learns and educates themselves. Many great names have been the ones who left the formal education set up, and yet they changed the face of humankind. Abraham Lincoln had very limited formal education and was largely self-taught. He not only went on to become the 16th President of the United States but played a pivotal role in leading the nation through the American Civil War and abolishing slavery.
Similarly, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, dropped out of Harvard University to pursue his passion for software development. He played a crucial role in the personal computer revolution and became one of the world’s wealthiest individuals while also becoming a prominent philanthropist. Another prominent name is Walt Disney, the co-founder of The Walt Disney Company, who dropped out of high school at 16 to join the Red Cross during World War I. He later became a pioneer in animation and entertainment, creating iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and establishing a media empire.
Thus, it can be said that thirst for knowledge and the persistence to learn does not end in school only. Motivated by spirit and passion, one can continue to thrive in life. This is true for anyone, and this should be the objective of education in the true sense. Education goes way beyond books and curriculum and formal education can sometimes play only a limited role in nurturing the passion of creativity and innovation. One needs to learn how to adapt to the changing world and how to use one’s innate talents to achieve their true potential.
Today, our formal education system is in a sad situation. We have reduced education to the confines of technical education and value education, extracurriculars and development of soft interpersonal skills have taken a back seat. The value of education is being seen in terms of marks scored, rank secured or job placements. This has made education a highly stressful process for young vulnerable minds. As per NCRB, On an average, 35 students commit suicide in India every day. What was supposed to prepare one for life has been turned into a reason to end life itself.
Also, access to education is not always equal. In many parts of India, individuals face significant barriers to education, including poverty, conflict, and discrimination. Take the example of Gender biases where the dropout ratio among women decreases drastically after high school. In order to create a more just and equitable society, we must work to address these barriers and promote access to education for all individuals.
One way to promote access to education is through the use of technology. Online learning platforms and digital resources can help to bridge the gap between those who have access to formal education and those who do not. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals in remote or underprivileged communities who may not have access to traditional educational resources. The success of E-learning platforms like E Shiksha etc, Digital Channels can be good case study to improve accessibility of education.
Another way to promote access to education is through community-based initiatives. These initiatives can provide support and resources to individuals who may not have access to formal education, such as adult literacy programs or vocational training programs. By working with local communities, we can create tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of individuals and promote access to education for all. Such models also promote culture and protect values passing from generation to generations.
The seriousness of the issue has in fact, paved the way for novel changes in the way we understand education and its objectives. Today, focus is being made to make education a fun learning process that tries to engage the students as per their interests. The changes introduced in the New Education Policy 2020 aim to reform the formal education system and make students’ overall mental, emotional and physical wellbeing an equal priority as their socio-economic well-being for future.
Similarly, there is a focus on all attributes of education. Be it teacher’s education, extra-curricular, adult education or learning in the field, there is an attempt to target all aspects of education and make it more market-oriented as well as inclusive, with no compromise on qualities and value of education. Education thus, is not just seen as preparation for life, today, it is indeed seen as a way of life.
As Socrates says, education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. Its objective should be to ignite the passion for lifelong learning. The years of formal schooling might be limited but the opportunities and aspirations for learning should not be. If education is a means to make progress, then, it definitely should not end with formal schooling, but the school should be seen as a point where it actually begins.
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