The True Essence of Education - Assignment Example

Education Introduction The concept of education has been present since the inception of life on the planet. It has evolved to a great extent but the essence behind education is still the same. Education is defined as any act that has a positive and productive effect on the mind and personality of a person. Education can also be defined at the art of distributing skill and knowledge (Starwin, “How do you define education”). However, it has taken a much more technical form these days and it can be defined as the process in which the society transfers the knowledge, skills to a group of individuals (Wikipedia.Inc, “Education”). Education helps discover the hidden talent and potential of an individual and then work on it to improvise it. Education does not only mean studying in schools and earning good grades. The true essence of education lies in discovering the inner being and transforming it into a cultured, intellectual figure. In this research, we shall analyze the evolution of education into one of the most important needs for mankind. We shall study the effects of education on our societies. We shall also discuss the power that an educated person has in the society, to make a change. Education has made man come out of the caves and transform his world into a place full of opportunities and convenience. 2. History of Education In the ancient times when education was not very common, it was basically perceived orally and by observing things. A standard form of education had not developed in the societies. Due to this, knowledge about things in the environment and life was transferred informally from the elders to their young. This transferred knowledge was different for all adults since every human perceives and observes their surroundings in a different manner. As humans became more aware about their surroundings, they realized the need of a standard form of education. This evolved into a concept of formal education which was not given by their household members, in the context of religion, customs (Hughes, More). This was the step towards a formal learning process for mankind. After some time, societies and civilizations started becoming more complex and people started working on acquiring skills to earn their livelihoods. This created an eagerness to learn more from skillful people and a realization that they should learn useful things from experienced people on the job side for example; agriculture, fishing, preservation of food, stone work, metal work, construction, boat building etc. Literacy was more related to administration of the society, religion, law and trade. One of the major developments in the field of education that provided the basis of modern education was the emergence of writing. This gave the opportunity to the people who had writing skills, their text could be passed on from one generation to the other. These writing skills contributed to the society in terms of poetry, stories. With the help of writing, knowledge and findings of one civilization could be passed on the other. Customs and rituals were correctly recorded to keep them safe for the next generations. It is due to this advent of writing that we are able to possess knowledge about the history of mankind and many other things (Hughes, More). A formal school that we commonly find in our societies, was only available to a small number of people, at religious institutions etc. Another part of the society that could acquire a formal structure of knowledge was the rich sample of the population. They used to hire tutors at their residences and gain knowledge from them. Then, formal school education found its way in our societies. Nowadays, professional teachers are hired by the schools, who have command over their respective subjects of interests. These teachers teach the students in a systematic manner while following an academic curriculum. The way of teaching has become more innovative with the advent of computer technology in the field of education. Classrooms are now equipped with multimedia, where instructors present their lectures in a more interactive and interesting manner. 3. Aims and Objectives of Education Education proves to be beneficial for an individual only when clear aims are identified regarding it. Education is not useful unless it is systematically structured and organized to achieve specific objectives. Some of the most common aims and objectives that prove to be helpful in making our society better are discussed below: 3.1 Development of an Individual Education plays an important role in the development of an individual’s character and personality. Development can be considered in two broad terms; mentally and physically. Mental development of an individual will enhance the individual’s capacity to acquire knowledge and understand things in an intellectual manner. Mental development teaches people how to express their thoughts through words or actions, in the most appropriate manner. Physical development will change his body language as he will feel more confident and self dependant. Education helps in making an individual’s character and makes him tolerant to other people’s views and ideas. Education teaches him to accept and understand different theories and concepts about the world around them (Sushma, “Aims and Objectives of Education”). Education induces the realization that everyone should live in harmony. Effect on Society A society where there are individuals with good characters is always considered to be a productive and safe one. They tend to understand the cultural, racial, religious differences that exist in a society and thus accept them. It is due to this accepting attitude that the society becomes harmonious, amiable and productive. 3.2 Social and National Development Education induces the spirit of social and national responsibility. It makes the person realize that he has a duty towards his society and country. He will ensure that he performs all his duties as a responsible citizen and will take all measures to safeguard his country against any threat. On the contrary, an illiterate person will not be aware of such duties and will not realize his obligations towards his country (Sushma, “Aims and Objectives of Education”). It should be ensured by governments that their academic curriculum induces social and national spirits from the early classes so that their youth grow up to be responsible citizens. It should also be ensured that their curriculum is in accordance with the social and cultural values in the society. Effect on Society Educated citizens prove to be better citizens as they are aware of the need of keeping their environment clean, ensure that no harm is caused to others, safeguard their own rights as well as protect the rights of the other citizens, respect the concept of equal opportunity for all citizens etc. Educated citizens are well aware of their national duties as well; it makes the individual avoid any action which would earn their country a bad name, offer his services to the country whenever needed. 3.3 Social Transformation Education makes the person understand the difference between right and wrong. It also induces the spirit to make things better. An educated person does not merely comply with the prevailing conditions but takes sufficient measures to bring about positive changes in the society. It is very common for educated people to start voluntary work in social organizations and make a difference in the lives of the less privileged. We can find numerous people in history who changed their societies and all of them would have the treasure of knowledge and education. Education enables a person to make informed decisions in life, it is because of this capability that he can judge if a change will prove to be helpful for the society or not. An uneducated person has a closed mind and lives life like it comes to him. Whereas, an educated person knows how to direct his life towards success. 4. Effect of Education in Different Parts of the World The field of education has different standards in different parts of the planet. In some countries, the standard of education is very good because of which they have earned their name in one of the leading nations of the world for example; according to the (UNICEF, “China Statistics”) report in 2004, China has an adult literacy rate of 93%. China is currently one of the biggest powers of the world. One of the key to their success is their special attention to the area of education. Since 1950, China has been providing 9 year compulsory education to their citizens and their illiteracy rate has dropped from 80% to 5% (Cernic, “Basic Education in China”). This is the reason why their youth has progressed so much and have earned themselves a prominent place on the globe. According to another survey by (United Nations Development Programme, “Report 9”); Australia has a literacy rate of 99%. These countries are some of the most successful countries of the world in terms of their development, industries, trade, education etc. Whereas, some countries struggle to keep a good standard and suffer due to this high rate of illiteracy; for example; Afghanistan, Bangladesh and some parts of Africa. The developing countries of the world face great challenges in the area of education. People in the urban areas are not educated and probably don’t even realize its importance. Due to their economic conditions, they even make their young work to earn money. Child labor is very common in these developing countries due to which kids are unable to get the required education. Provision of quality education is important for the progress of any country. Incase of unavailability of such education, the country remains in the league of developing countries and cannot prosper. Serious measures should be taken by the governments of such developing countries to promote education and provide sufficient facilities for the people who can’t afford to go to schools. They should take steps to make the common man aware of the importance of education and promote education at all levels. 5. Different Views on Education The importance of education has been advocated by many public figures around the world to make people aware of the vitality of its acquisition. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa and a prominent activist, explained the importance of education in his quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” (BrainyMedia.com, “Education Quote”) Aristotle, a Greek philosopher in the times of 300 BC, stated a characteristic of an educated person; “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” (BrainyMedia.com, “Education Quote”) I would like to include an anonymous quote in this section that sums up the purpose of acquiring education; "An educational system isnt worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesnt teach them how to make a life." (ETNI, “Education – Quotes”) This quote discusses the most common perception of acquiring education these days. During the process of educating oneself, people usually forget the true essence which is to develop oneself into a successful and responsible individual. 6. Conclusion It would not be wrong to state education as one of the most vital needs of mankind. It opens the mind of an individual and makes him comprehend the world around him. It makes him realize that his existence has a purpose; a purpose not only to do better for himself but prove to be beneficial for the people around him. Education makes a person capable of understanding his rights and duties. An intellectual and cultured person will safeguard his rights, along with the rights of the others. An educated person will sense whenever a change is needed in the society. Education will help him understand the difference between right and wrong; and compel him to change the wrong. Education has been acquired in one form or the other since the inception of mankind on the planet. The modes of education have changed but the essence remains the same. One should never cease to acquire knowledge and education as life should be a constant learning experience. References Bhagia, Sushma. “Aims and Objectives of Education”, n.d. Web. 6 Feb 2010 http://www.education.nic.in/cd50years/g/T/GF/0TGF0201.htm BrainyMedia.com, Brainy Quote.com, n.d. Web. 6 Feb 2010 http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/n/nelsonmand157855.html Cernic, “Basic Education in China”, China Education and Research Network, n.d. Web. 4 Feb 2010, http://www.edu.cn/20010101/21775.shtml ETNI, “Education – Quotes”, English Teachers Network, 1997, Web. 4 Feb 2010 http://www.etni.org.il/quotes/education.htm Hughes, Paul. More, Arthur J. "Aboriginal Ways of Learning and Learning Styles", Annual Conference of the Australian Association for Research in Education Brisbane, December 4, 1997. Print Starwin, "How Do You Define Education?" blurtit.com. n.d. Web. 6 Feb. 2010 http://www.blurtit.com/q186072.html UNICEF, “China Statistics”, Unite for Children, 26 February 2004, Web. 4 Feb 2010, http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/china_statistics.html#56 United Nations Development Programme, “Report 2009”, Table H, n.d. Web. 5 Feb 2010 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_literacy_rate Wikipedia.Inc, "Education", Wikipedia, 31 Jan 2010, Web. 5 Feb 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education Read More