According to the Encarta World English Dictionary, education is the imparting and acquiring of knowledge through teaching and learning, especially at a school or similar institution. This definition alludes to the notion that the purpose of education is the dissemination of knowledge—knowledge, being a finite body of information. Arguably, several questions arise from such a definition:
What is considered knowledge?
Who possesses knowledge?
Based on the definition, we assume that knowledge must be imparted on its students. Teachers become the disseminators of knowledge and students are simply empty vessels waiting to be filled.
What is considered knowledge?
Who possesses knowledge?
Based on the definition, we assume that knowledge must be imparted on its students. Teachers become the disseminators of knowledge and students are simply empty vessels waiting to be filled.
In contrast to the above are philosophies of education such as those of John Dewey. In Nel Noddings book(2006), an in-depth overview entitled The Philosophy of Education, she shares Dewey’s philosophy—education being synonymous with growth. The notion of child centered learning is highlighted in his work. In order for learning to occur, there must be a link to prior experience, materials need to be meaningful to the students, and students must be actively engaged. Knowledge is the product of the construction of personal meaning. I personally subscribe to these later notions.
In light of constantly changing philosophies of education, it is extremely important to continually examine the purpose and function of education. A critical review of the literature (found on courseworkinfo) suggests that Education has/has had the following functions:
· Education as a means of socialization and social control
· Education as a way of reducing and/or producing social inequalities
· Education being a benefit to the individual or the society economically
These highlight the important conversations educators are, or need to be having. We need to constantly be questioning what we are doing in schools and if we are indeed meeting the needs of our students in a culturally, socially, and economically responsive way.
Issues of accountability and assessment driven teaching have led to rigid structures that do not allow for child-centered learning. Instead of meeting the needs of students, students are expected to conform to schools. As a result, Kaser & Halbert (2008) suggest that many young people are under- or dis-engaged with learning opportunities. They suggest that increased engagement will occur when schools become more innovative and responsive. Technology, personalization of learning, and strategies for learning how to learn, are all issues to explore in regards to learner engagement.
Finally, education’s role in a rapidly changing society needs to be addressed. The skills employers are looking for in graduating students have greatly changed. Schools are becoming quickly outdated and the traditional organization of the education systems is no longer working. Education has not kept up with this rapidly changing society. The following video highlights this issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnh9q_cQcUE
In light of constantly changing philosophies of education, it is extremely important to continually examine the purpose and function of education. A critical review of the literature (found on courseworkinfo) suggests that Education has/has had the following functions:
· Education as a means of socialization and social control
· Education as a way of reducing and/or producing social inequalities
· Education being a benefit to the individual or the society economically
These highlight the important conversations educators are, or need to be having. We need to constantly be questioning what we are doing in schools and if we are indeed meeting the needs of our students in a culturally, socially, and economically responsive way.
Issues of accountability and assessment driven teaching have led to rigid structures that do not allow for child-centered learning. Instead of meeting the needs of students, students are expected to conform to schools. As a result, Kaser & Halbert (2008) suggest that many young people are under- or dis-engaged with learning opportunities. They suggest that increased engagement will occur when schools become more innovative and responsive. Technology, personalization of learning, and strategies for learning how to learn, are all issues to explore in regards to learner engagement.
Finally, education’s role in a rapidly changing society needs to be addressed. The skills employers are looking for in graduating students have greatly changed. Schools are becoming quickly outdated and the traditional organization of the education systems is no longer working. Education has not kept up with this rapidly changing society. The following video highlights this issue.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnh9q_cQcUE
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