The process of education is complex, and the debate over its objectives is controversial. Some philosophies, like Transcendentalism, claim that knowledge is best acquired through direct personal experience. Other problems with education include poverty, child abuse, prejudiced teachers, and poor grades. But no matter what the cause, there are many ways to improve education.
Process of education
Education is a purposeful activity which aims at imparting knowledge, skills, and character traits to students. Depending on the type of education, its goal can range from the transmission of cultural heritage to the development of understanding, rationality, kindness, and honesty. The process is generally structured and includes tests to assess knowledge. The final goal of education is to develop a well-rounded personality, which is capable of lifelong learning.
Objectives
An educational objective outlines what a student is expected to learn or do after completing a specific course. These objectives can be used to guide the learning process and to assess student progress. Often, teachers ignore or disregard objectives and refer to them only occasionally. However, well-written objectives guide learning.
Hidden curriculum
Hidden curriculum is an element of the education system that is not explicitly stated, but is often present. For example, a child’s education may teach the child about social class, race, and gender, but it may also teach about religion and sexual orientation. Schools can make sure that their teachers are sensitive to such issues.
Formal vs. non-formal education
While formal education aims to prepare its students to meet a certain set of standards in a particular field, it also aims to improve personal intellect. It attempts to create a sense of personal responsibility in its students, as well as to impart certain values and behavior patterns. In contrast, informal education is more flexible and can be carried on throughout an individual’s life.
Dialogue vs. curricula
While curricula are important, dialogue offers a different perspective. A dialogue involves a planned conversation, guided by a facilitator. Faculty members drop their traditional roles of teacher and student, and instead act as co-learners and co-teachers. The goal is to promote a common understanding of content that fosters meaningful learning.
Alternatives
Alternatives to education provide students with a variety of opportunities to pursue their educational goals. For many students, pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree is too time-consuming or costly. Instead, these students can pursue shorter and less expensive certificates or diplomas that give them a head start in their career. These short-term certification courses can lead to lucrative careers, and some even earn income immediately.