What is education? It is a process that has a positive effect on the mind of a person, on his character and thought process. It could also mean a physically formative effect, the aim of physical education. Society transmits its values and knowledge to a person through education. While illiteracy is one of the root causes of evil today, education is increasingly becoming important as a tool to taking the society forward. Not only does it enrich a person’s mind and broaden his horizons, but it has a positive effect on his behavior and social interaction with others.
While education is compulsory for all children, many of them do not get access to it, because they live in developing countries which do not have the facilities or money available to provide education to all. This does not change the fact that education is essential in today’s times, not only to understand the world around us, but also to understand ourselves. To recognize education as a basic human right, since 1952, Article 2 of the first Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights obliges all signatory parties to guarantee the right to education, and even the United Nations’ International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights assures this right.
Through education, we are able to interact properly and suitably with our environment, treat our fellow beings with respect, and we are able to draw on past experiences to lead our lives today. It helps us to acquire skills which earn us a decent and honest living. It gives us the privilege of imparting education, in turn, to those who have not yet acquired all that they should have. Education, in fact, can bridge the gap between generations.
Some time it is possible that Education can be of different types. For instance, when education is imparted in school, it is often referred to as the process of “schooling”. Students start with learning the alphabet and numbers, then move on to basic reading and writing, and from then on – they deal with subjects like history, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, among others. Most choose to get a college or university education, and some even work for more degrees.
Students start with primary education – formal education in the first few years of a child’s life. This begins usually when the child is three or four. In this system, a child is introduced to the letters of the alphabet, the numbers, and performs basic activities like solving a jigsaw puzzle or coloring in books. Secondary education follows thereafter, mostly when the child has reached adolescence. In some parts of the world, it is called “senior school” or “middle school”. The boundaries between primary education and secondary education differ from one country to another country. So what is the purpose of secondary education? It aims to give common knowledge to a student, to prepare him for higher learning, or to give him professional training. In high school, many job skills are focused on, that prepare the students for skilled blue collar work, or white collar work. Secondary education usually stresses on essay-writing, understanding of texts, practical work, and athletics. Then comes higher education – which is the tertiary stage. This is non-compulsory, and includes under-graduate and post-graduate study. Students, after graduating high school, may or may not choose to reach this level, but if they successfully do go through with the higher education, they are awarded certificates degrees, or diplomas. Vocational education and training also comes under higher education.
In higher education, a student undertakes more advanced learning, research, sometimes teaching, and even social services activities of the college / university. This tertiary level is important for the economy of any country, as it provides skilled and trained professionals in different lines of work.
There seems to be many other kinds of education as well. Adult education aims to provide learning to those adults who, for some reason, were not able to complete their education. It may range from formal class-based learning to distance learning programs. Many adult education centers are spread over the world, and they are a boon for adults who seek to complete their studies. Then there is alternative education, which basically refers to non-traditional education, this is aimed at people of all ages, of different levels of education. This form covers topics as diverse as teenage pregnancy, and intellectual disability. It works by using alternative educational philosophies and methods.
Education usually works by imparting academic disciplines, which are either taught formally, or demonstrated through some method. Academic disciplines are of many kinds – some of them are humanities, applied sciences, mathematics, social science, computer science, and natural science. Education is usually imparted through three different modes: visual (a learning based on observation), auditory (a learning based on listening to information and instruction), and kinesthetic (a learning based on hands-on work and engagement in different activities). While different subjects employ these three basic modes in varying proportions, it is generally believed that a combination of the three is most effective in giving students the best opportunity to learn.
It is needless to say that teachers must be thoroughly grounded in their own subjects before imparting education to students. They must be prepared to answer questions, explain topics, and clear all doubts. Students are exposed to different life experiences, different situations, and different standards of living – therefore, the way one student learns will differ vastly from the way another student learns. Therefore, a teacher must adapt to the needs of each student, to promote harmonious learning. A good teacher must have qualities like dedication, good judgment, wisdom, experience, and compassion. Such a teacher would build a sound student, who would later become a useful member of society.
Today, many people are far removed from their education centers of choice, so they opt for distance education, a specific form of which is e-learning. Technology today plays a vital role in the imparting of education, and computers and Internet have become influential in the learning process. Access to computers and the World Wide Web opens up a plethora of possibilities, and many are exposed to programming, blogging, and various Internet articles that assist them in their education. Technology also provides learning through Multimedia, and virtual classrooms. For example, an interactive whiteboard can be used between a teacher and his student, over the Internet, to impart instruction. Broadcasting technology (radio and television), as well as telephony services, are also utilized to spread education, because they are widely accessible.
Education has probably been around for millions of years, as adults trained their children, and showed them how to master certain skills and traditions that they would need. As culture evolved, so did the process of education, story-telling was replaced by oral tradition that was written down, with the advent of symbols and numbers. As a more sophisticated script was created, educations too become formal, and schooling was introduced.
Social institutions, like school, play a major role in the process of education. It must enable a student to overcome his handicaps, achieve his full potential, and acquire wealth and status. A good education must inspire a student to work harder, for a better standard of living, and for a better economy of his country. Therefore, it is essential for a teacher to understand a student’s special needs and requirements.
Education today is one of the primary necessities; however, some countries face economic pressure and cannot ensure that each child receives education. It is also true that some economies are largely agrarian, and in such economies, families prefer that their young be trained in agricultural processes than education – the former, they feel, would be more useful. Child labor and poverty still thrive, and poor families cannot afford to give their children education. Shockingly, in some places, women are deprived of an education, and are forced to stay at home and engage themselves in domestic activities.
Virtual education works through the resources of multimedia, Internet, video-conferencing, etc. The teacher and the student are separated by space of time, but they communicate through technology. There are even Virtual Universities that deal with this form of education, the courses are not taught face-to-face, in classrooms, but rather through an Internet study program. These are usually text-based, through PowerPoint, PDF, or HTML documents. Students can also learn in a virtual classroom, which is based in virtual space – a learning environment of sorts. This allows students in distant areas to get access to education using their computers, and is a collaborative learning process. With the advent of technology, there have been many changes in the form of education and how it is imparted. The concept of virtual education is one of the changes.
There are also video-based courses, which have a lecturer speaking at one end, and a student watching at the other end. Other modes of instruction, like PowerPoint slides, could also be used. Through video-streaming technology, the students get access to the video of the teacher through plug-ins and freeware. Audio-based courses are also available, where the sound track of the teacher / lecturer is provided – sometimes, a text transcription may be provided with this. There are also peer-to-peer courses, which are taught on demand.
Therefore, distance education provides education to those who cannot get admission in colleges / universities due to the limited number of seats, and also provides education to those who cannot afford regular classes, due to shortage of time or money. Advancement in technology means that it can work through mediums like radio, television and the Internet, and also video-conferencing. Distance education is extremely convenient, in the sense that students save money as well as time. There is no need to travel many miles to a classroom far away, one can sit in the comfort of the home and learn. Students can open their “classroom” at any time they are free, and can work through their assignments in time. In fact, such an education system is ideal for people who cannot spare time – like business people, or even the working population. They do not have the time to attend regular classes, and distance education is a boon for them. They can easily achieve a degree, and they would not have to give up their job. However, Internet access is required, since the study material is sent through this medium.
Another form of education is vocational education, where students prepare for jobs which are manual or practical activities, these are usually non-traditional, and may be related to a specific trade. The student must develop specific skills for the occupation. Vocational education may be at secondary or post-secondary level, and often interacts with the apprenticeship system. Today, vocational education can include funeral services, cosmetics, cottage industries, traditional crafts, retail, information technology, and tourism.
Home-education, too, is another kind of education. Today, thousands of parents around the world are making a conscious decision to educate their children at home – a method which has numerous advantages. One-on-one tutoring is effective, the child received adequate attention, and parents can change the syllabus or curriculum according to the child’s needs. A child can learn about things that interest him. Home schooling also more time-effective, there is no need for a child to waste time traveling and standing in queues, in fact, each day’s studying can be finished in 3-4 hours. Home-schooled kids have been proven to show great aptitude, they do well on tests, and score well in overall academics too. The added advantage is that parents get extra time with their children, and while home schooling gives a child a positive advantage, parents should be ready to face the challenges that this form of education might bring. Because home-schooling isn’t just fun and games, taking on a child’s education is a mammoth responsibility. It requires lots of efforts, time, and dedication. Those with hectic jobs would not be able to manage, since a child needs constant supervision during home schooling. Parents must be knowledgeable themselves, and must be aware of teaching methods. Planning the curriculum is not easy, neither is answering children’s questions – all this can be rather difficult for parents who are not trained in handling children. It is also difficult and rather challenging at time to teach those with learning disabilities.
How can a person study better? You needn’t worry about the exams which are looming near on the horizon, all you need to do is understands the basic methods of studying, and you’re ready to top the exams! It’s important that you chalk out a routine for yourself – set aside particular times in the day when you will study. Once you’ve created the routine, stick to it. Avoid having distractions like a radio, computer or television nearby. Ideally, when you study, you should be far removed from interruptions and distractions. Good ventilation and lighting are also necessary, sit in a comfortable chair, and sit down with all your study material – so that you don’t constantly have to get up, fetch something you have forgotten. Taking regular mock-tests helps for you to understand your progress on the syllabus, and do remember to consult your teachers for help, in case you have any doubts somewhere. Taking breaks at regular intervals is necessary – you mustn’t feel overwhelmed by the amount of studying. So take a break every fifteen minutes. Drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy, staying away from fatty and fried foods, which will give you a heavy, bloated feeling. Do be sure not to stress yourself – get lots of sleep, exercise, you’ll do well.
Just as there are good studying techniques, there are good teaching techniques too. Everyone’s style of teaching differs, so find your own method, whichever you are comfortable with, and make use of your uniqueness in the classroom. It’s needless to say that first and foremost, it’s important that you know the subject well yourself. You should have a good grasp of the subject, and be prepared to answer any questions that come your way, without fumbling. Don’t assume the children will not ask this or that, children are often extremely smart, and can come up with brilliant questions. Be honest as a teacher, don’t compromise on your ethics and principles, and have a great personality which will help to make learning fun. It’s also important to be a little flexible in your methods, and allow room for a personalized, one-on-one approach. Personal identity maintenance is also important. You should stay calm if a student makes a mistake – don’t overreact. Students need encouragement to do better, so don’t mock those who fumble and mess up. A teacher must instill good values in a student, and encourage him to be open-minded and knowledgeable. Work principles are also very vital. Don’t miss class, or be late unless there’s some really good reason, do return work corrected, within a couple of days, and do encourage clear thinking. Intellectual honesty is a benefit in the classroom. Give your students due credit, display their work on the bulletin board, this boosts them to do better. And lastly, always be friendly and courteous – students appreciate that.
Taking good class notes, during the process of education, is not rocket science. If you think you’re hopeless at taking notes, remember that with a little effort, you too, can take great notes. It’s always important to jot down necessary points, which come in handy when you’re studying for the exams. Listen well, and be tuned in to the teacher. Be active, pay attention to what he’s saying, and allow the information to stream into your head. Many people write down everything that is being said, but this is a mistake – don’t write indiscriminately, listen for the important points, and write those down. Listen for points and sub-points; this will help you organize your answers. Don’t be distracted – keep your phone inside your pocket, magazines inside your bag – you need to pay 100% attention. Sharpen your skills as a listener, and learn to write faster. If you know shorthand, you have an added advantage of using it to note down things, and then you can expand the points later. Don’t obsess over being neat, don’t write down “a” and “the”, you can afford to leave those out. Do ask the professor / teacher in case you haven’t understood anything, they are sure to explain it to you. And it’s extremely important to review your notes, and expand them later – to ensure that they stay fresh in your mind. You could also go over the previous day’s notes in a class, so as to ensure that you are better prepared.
In the process of education, it’s also extremely important to pick out a good college. Keep your choices open, select at least 4 or 5, because rejection letters are common, and it’s unwise to keep all your eggs in one basket. Understand your needs and priorities – what do you want from your college? Good location? Low cost? Great professors? Fantastic classes? Many students want a blooming social life and fraternities, rather than classes. So it’s essential that you do your research, look up the college websites, and visit education guidance counselors who will be able to help you. Try to visit the campuses beforehand, because you would get a good idea by observing the facilities and the campus life. Consider the climate – if you have any specific problems with any kind of weather, then perhaps you should not choose that. Would you prefer an urban atmosphere, or a rural one? Do you need to apply somewhere close to home, or would you like to go somewhere far off? Considering all these questions is extremely essential, as it will help you determine which kind of colleges you will apply to. Don’t just go for the Ivy Leagues, keep your options open, and choose at least a few. So that, you will be on the secure part.
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Tags: Education, geography, history, learning the alphabet, physics, social interaction, values and knowledge
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