Theories of education are many. Among these theories are those that focus on how adults learn and pass on knowledge to young people. Education aims to nurture the development of the young into a fully-formed adult by enabling them to master an area of interest, relate to other people in the community, and exercise dominance over their environment. Throughout history, various theories of education have been developed. The main goal of education is to foster a person’s growth, enabling them to achieve mastery in an area of interest, relate to others as a good citizen, and exercise dominance over his or her environment.
Background
As societies evolve, the amount of knowledge that needs to be passed on increases. This increase is far greater than what any one person can know. As a result, selective means of cultural transmission develop. One such method is formal education. Schools and teachers provide the means for cultural transmission. The goal of education is to help children develop the skills and knowledge needed to function effectively in society. The development of formal education has many advantages. Read on to learn more.
Purpose
The purpose of education is to facilitate the mindful progress of humans. It enables them to function in society, generate critical thoughts, and propose ideas that promote the common good. In short, it helps to build a balanced society. People are born with the ability to learn, and the process of education is an unstoppable one. Through education, people become free from false beliefs and thoughts, and gain the necessary skills to recognize good and bad.
Impact
Getting a higher education improves a person’s chances of finding stable jobs and a steady income. In addition, an educated person can venture into different types of trades and businesses, which increases their earning potential. The impact of education on society is profound. Moreover, being educated helps one to relate better with other people. Thus, it is extremely important to get a high education in order to improve one’s quality of life.
Perspectives
The major guiding philosophies of education will influence the educational system that a particular country or region implements. These theories define the educational process and outcomes. Essentials First perspectives emphasize the acquisition of facts and basic skills. They are often textbook-based and test-driven. Learn from the Past perspectives emphasize virtues, principles, and classic literature. These perspectives emphasize problem-solving experiences that build students’ knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.
Challenges
With more students enrolling in education institutes, educators are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their workloads. The problems are compounded in small and medium schools, where teachers are often faced with forty to fifty students in a single classroom and only one teacher to handle the load. These problems can be addressed by school owners, who can expand classrooms and divide them into multiple sections. The problems of low quality education are a major concern for teachers, but these can also be solved with technology.