Sunday, March 23, 2014

What is education for?



I decided to embed this clip after watching it on one of my first year student's blogs.  I think I will ask the next group the same question, and ask them to blog about it? 

So what do I think about education?

The online dictionary definition that Google offered me, says it is :1. the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university, or 2. an enlightening experience. In 2009 Michael Gove said ‘I believe that education is a good in itself – one of the central hallmarks of a civilized society – indeed the means by which societies ensure that everything which is best in our society is passed on to succeeding generations.’


One of the biggest challenges we have as a society is sustainability; in a world so uncertain, so vulnerable, so stimulating, we cannot prepare the young generation with the traditional methods, seated between four walls. Knowledge is key but anything we do is based on who we are. Can we see how a transformed education will impact our society of tomorrow? Or how it might shape different leaders, different priorities for our planet? Or even what form a transformation needs to take.




Student’s say that they want a curriculum, which prepares them for adult life, with clear relevance to their lives in AND outside school.  Schools need to prepare learners for the real world. But what does that mean? Academic knowledge and qualifications are a vital part of it. They are not the whole story.  My eighteen year old son, and many of his friends, have decided not to go to university next year after their A levels.  Striving for good results is still paramount for him, but he then wants to get a real education, in the real world, take a gap year.  He wants to find his way, and make his own discoveries.  I can’t say that I am disappointed, although I concerned about what he will do with this gap year.  All I can say is thank goodness for technology, as I know that technology will help us stay connected, let us share moments, discussions, pictures, thrills and disappointments as the year unfolds and the education evolves.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

i love the layout of your blog, the way you add links and videos on your blog look so professional, will be looking at your blog for ideas.

Angharad Regan said...

I totally agree with this post and the video ! When children come from school they are not prepared for the the real world and do not have many life experiance skills to rely on.
Also you have said about your son going on a gap year , Personally i think that would be very beneficial for him . As i went to abroad to work and this has helped me a great deal in confidence and become more mature in myself. But just think of the postive outcome for your son and what life experiance he will gain .

Mandy said...

I often told students that didn't meet the requirements at their initial interview for a place at university to, 'take a year out of education, to get some life experience' strange really, it must sound like I was telling them that it could happen simultaneously, life experience and education!