Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in the school
Approach:
- Meaning of Education and significance for humans.
- Role of learning: Learning is a process which results in a more or less permanent modification of behaviour as a result of practice or experience.
- Distinguish between education and schooling/learning → Only positive or desirable learning contributes to the process of education while negative or undesirable learning is not considered a part of education.
- The Importance of Lifelong Learning and how education inculcates this.
- Conclusion
Meaning/Context
- Education has different contextual meaning – the economist would see education as a commodity in which it is profitable for the community to invest. Sociologists would tell people that education is a socializing force, Education as a Spiritual Pursuit: According to the Upanishads, “Education is that whose end product is salvation”
- Nevertheless, education is there in all of the above and each one is linked to the process of education, yet it lies above all these.
- It is believed that education should prepare individuals for active participation in a democratic society.
Historical Dimension
- Education is derived from – “Educare”, which refers to “to bring up’ or “to nourish”.
- In India, the concept of education is traced back to the “Gurukula Parampara” which developed in ancient times.
Distinguish between education and schooling/learning
- Value system/ wisdom comes from experience while learning teaches academic knowledge and information. Example – only after seeing pain, death and suffering Siddhartha became Buddha.
- True education extends beyond memorization and tests, leaving a lasting imprint on an individual’s character, values, and ability to navigate the complexities of life. E.g. NEP fosters foundational learning away from rote learning.
- Education exposes individuals to diverse cultures, histories, and perspectives, nurturing cultural and social awareness. This understanding promotes tolerance, inclusivity, and the ability to thrive in a globalized world.
The success of renowned entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, who dropped out of college, highlights how the problem-solving skills and innovative thinking acquired in their educational journey laid the foundation for their groundbreaking careers.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning and how education inculcates this?
- Adaptation to Change: In a rapidly changing world.
- Personal Growth: Lifelong learning fosters personal growth and self-improvement.
- Career Advancement: Lifelong learners are often more competitive in the job market.
- Problem Solving: Lifelong learning enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Cognitive Health: Continuous learning helps maintain cognitive health and may delay cognitive decline associated with aging.
- Increased Confidence: Acquiring new knowledge and skills boosts self-confidence and self-esteem.
- Enhanced Communication: Lifelong learning can improve communication skills, including written and verbal communication.
- Social Engagement: Lifelong learners often engage in social activities related to their interests, fostering connections and a sense of belonging within communities of learners.
- Innovation and Creativity: Exposure to diverse ideas and experiences through lifelong learning can inspire innovation and creativity.
Way Forward: John Dewey’s 7 principles: Experiential Learning, Child-Centered Education, Learning by Doing, Integration of Subjects, Democratic Education, Continuous Learning, Problem-Centered Curriculum, Social Interaction.
Conclusion: Aristotle advocated for a balanced education that included the cultivation of moral virtues, intellectual virtues, and practical skills. In essence, education endures as a beacon that guides individuals throughout their lives, illuminating the path toward personal growth, societal progress, and the betterment of humanity as a whole.
Check out the UPSC Essay paper 2023 analysis with Detail explanation of the Topic
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