What is the basic aim in "education" ?

[m19834]

I have been a part of an opera program which sings in many different schools.  Since I have been in lots of schools, I have had a chance to get a taste of many different educational venues, all of which seem to have a kind of distinct atmosphere (one from another).  Since I am a (private) teacher myself, getting a taste of so many different schooling atmospheres is a pretty interesting thing for me.

Today I began pondering what the point of education is supposed to be.  What are "we" aiming for when we aim to be educated or to educate others ?  If it is supposed to better humanity and progress, how does it do so ?

Also, education is so relative to what we already know (as a species and as individuals), what are we trying to learn through the process of education ?

I wonder if there are less "points" and purposes with regard to education, and more like ramifications or side-affects of education.  When all is said and done, maybe all that comes from education is better communication with each other (and of course that would be pretty relative, too) ?

I realize that there are a lot of question marks here, but, such is life  .

Thanks for your thoughts,
Karli

[ksnmohan]

For me it is very clear - to acquire knowledge and from it to regulate your life so that you have peace of mind - and not "pieces"!

I was of course once a student - for 18 years - and  at 73, I am still one, trying to learn every day, every hour, every minute. Now I am a Professor at one of the top Universities here in India. But still, my total knowledge is not even to the extent of one grain of sand of the entire sands of this earth.

Education is a systematic approach to learning and through it to acquire knowledge. Simply because, knowledge is one's ultimate power and strength.

[pies]

a

[gerry]

In general, to give individuals the basic foundation of nuts and bolts upon which to build a productive and satisfying life and to be able to function successfully in society. At best, to pique one's curiosity about life in all its complexity and foster the skills necessary to seek answers.

[quantum]

To learn how to learn.

***

I find it sad that so much emphasis is being put on grades and certificates these days - instead of learning, knowledge and experience.  As I went through schooling many times moving on to the next level of classes had grade requirements.  As long as you met the grade you were allowed in.  It's almost as if the point of going through school is to score the grade to get the certificate to get the job, or whatever.

[aewanko]

To learn how to learn.

***

I find it sad that so much emphasis is being put on grades and certificates these days - instead of learning, knowledge and experience.  As I went through schooling many times moving on to the next level of classes had grade requirements.  As long as you met the grade you were allowed in.  It's almost as if the point of going through school is to score the grade to get the certificate to get the job, or whatever.

very true on what you said. i have been wondering that myself. my friends have been worrying about grades even in the most minor subjects. when we get scolded at times, the teacher says: "Why are you at school (or shcool?)", we say: "to learn." but, as you said, students are more concerned with scores, grades and the whatnot today.


and all because of a job.

[lostinidlewonder]

Basically it is discipline.

[counterpoint]

I don't believe in education by others.

Everyone has to find his own way and his own solutions.

Perhaps a little help here and there - but that's it.

[keypeg]

Basically it is discipline.

What does discipline mean to you?

[lostinidlewonder]

What does discipline mean to you?

Discipline is where you study when you do not want to study and do that consistently not sporadically. The exact method of each individuals discipline towards work is different, but doing things when we are uninspired to do so is a common point for us all. An educational institution encourages people to study their topic. It brings together similar minds which also study the same things as yourself.

When you study alone, outside of an education institution you can much more easily fall into an undisciplined approach to your work. Being surrounded by your peers who think about the same things as yourself, encourages you to work in a more structured systematic way. Well this is the main thing I hope students take away from attending schools. Sitting for tests, exams, attending classes regularly teaches us the discipline and consistency required to achieve anything in our life. The content of what is taught might not be as important the discipline required to learn it.

[gyzzzmo]

Education is about giving basic information, and learning somebody 'how to learn'.

[counterpoint]

Discipline is where you study when you do not want to study

As you wrote "basically discipline", I thought that was a sarcastic joke.

But your explanation looks like you were serious. 

Doing things, you would not do if you were not forced to... that's something good...? 

Yes I see education exactly that way, and that's why I hate it so much!

[michel dvorsky]

High school education equips people with the basic skills they need to function in an advanced society.   

Post-secondary allows people to develop the skills they need to be competent in a profession.

Those who make learning their life's work (professors, academics) are concerned with advancing the body of human knowledge.

Education acts as a signal to employers of the productivity/intelligence of applicants.  Education is more costly to obtain for people of low productivity, low discipline, or low-intelligence.

[rc]

Doing things, you would not do if you were not forced to... that's something good...? 

Yes I see education exactly that way, and that's why I hate it so much!

I think of it more like forcing yourself to do something you want to do and believe in, when it's easier to procrastinate and sit in front of the computer,  "just a few more minutes" -ing away precious time.

[rc]

I don't believe in education by others.

Everyone has to find his own way and his own solutions.

Perhaps a little help here and there - but that's it.

I'm starting to think this too...  It seems to me that it has to start within, and that if someone really wants to learn they will one way or another.

Others seem to have different intentions when they go to school.  A career at the end of the tunnel, figure out what they want to do, and I swear some people are there just to party