Purpose Of Education

My sister sent me an e-mail today and asked the following question:

For my Philosophy and Education class I have been asked to do a survey of people asking their philosophy of education. I have some questions in particular that need to be answered and whatever ideas or answers you have would be greatly appreciated. If you could answer these questions as soon as possible it would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much and here are the questions!

1) What, in your opinion, is the purpose of education?

2) How do you feel our schools are doing in fulfilling those ends?

3) Are there any suggestions as to how to maintain, or improve our education system?

4) Do you think there should be government funding of independent schools?

My Answers

1. The purpose of education is to prepare individuals for intellectual conversation and apply such intellectual learning to the world in which they inhabit. Development of mental skills which turn theory into practical skills.

2. Most educational programs do not provide this. It is evident in today's education system that emotional quotient of students is more important. The society that has developed in North America has had a rude effect upon school aged kids and the "pat the kid on the head and send them along the path" method appears to work better. Oh, who am I kidding - the education system in this country is horrible.

3. Suggestions. I believe there should be a better way to evaluate learning skills - before kids enter the system. The differences are profound and often ignored for the betterment of having an education system able to cater to all needs in a single setting. This is great for those who thrive upon lectures and non-practical methods but educational suicide for others. One could discuss this forever, so, in essence: train instructors and schools to provide different teaching method to kids who learn differently. A tall order.

4. No and yes. Independant schools fill a niche the public schools are unable to provide.

I found her e-mail timely as I had been discussing with two friends of mine, each are teachers in the public school system, about the current status of education. Apparently, many non-intelligent (or intellectual) teachers in the education are slacking off. Teachers show off the material but lack the ability to teach kids to process the information further than their reaction to it. Apparently, there is a fundamental swing teaching people to think to a "teach them to respect their own reactions" kind of system. The emotional quotient has become more important. I believe this does the education of a child a diservice. There should be a balance. Respect the reaction but tell me more. Tell me what you are thinking and how that applies to either the material being read and taught. This kind of teaching not only gets the information into fresh young minds but allows development of world-based skills.