What is the purpose of Education?

What Is the Purpose of Education?

If you were to ask a group of various people from different backgrounds the question as to what they thought was the purpose of education, they are very likely to give different answers, however I am certain that the answers would follow the same theme just with different variations, that of creating a better future. Education is an essential preparation before we enter into adult life.

I do not have one clear idea about the purpose of education, I believe it is a whole range of things that could apply to most people. Education should help us to question what we see, hear and experience and challenge the world we live in with enhancing our minds and curiosity. Education should nurture the different qualities brought by each individual, it is important to remember that there are no two individuals alike. Not only should it focus on a pupil’s success but recognise all the set backs, low points encountered by pupils and through encouragement and by believing in them give them the opportunity and encouragement to have the confidence to try again if at first they do not succeed. By teaching basic life skills this is an important element in helping pupils realise their full potential and overcome challenges to succeed in their future life.

Just like in the past, there remains a split in social classes in education. It is estimated that 3.7 million children were living in poverty according to a recent survey by Child Poverty Action Group 2015. It has been said that children eligible for free school meals are 4 times more likely to be excluded from school than those pupils who pay for their school meals. By allowing all children from different social classes to learn together, motivating and engaging them with understanding and skills required to become equal creative responsible individuals.

Children who are academically strong whilst in the school environment, sometimes struggle once out in the big wide world. It is fair to think that achieving high exam results is not always the best way forward in preparation for adult life.

On a recent breakfast show broadcasted on BBC Radio 2 Sarah Joseph asked the exact question “what is the purpose of education”. She tells listeners of a time when she had visited a school and how the pupils were inspired to work harder by the prospect of earning more money by achieving a good education. Sarah questioned whether we as a society would want to attempt to motivate children with money and fear, which are thought not to provide true and long lasting motivation.  Instead she put forward a strong case, that it was more reputable for us to recognise the importance of people and their purpose in life.  She mentioned that the vast majority of research shows that if someone cares for people and has a purpose in life, the motivation will encourage them to work as hard as humanly possible to achieve their goals.

"Education should light a fire within us to improve us and help our world."

Encouraging the wellbeing of children, and providing them with the basic life skills to achieve success in life are all surely the purpose of education.

According to an article written by Alex Morton Director of Policy at the Centre for Policy Studies, and formerly a member of David Cameron’s Downing Street Policy Unit.

“The purpose of education is to give people skills for life. And we have lost sight of it.”

Three beliefs usually cited as justifying education are:

•       Education should take place “for its own sake”.

•       Its purpose is to share a value system.

•       It is essentially to train people to cope with life, find employment and raise incomes.

   

Parents and teachers have a big impact on a student’s education because both are responsible for helping the student achieve their goals. Home is the first place the learning process begins, with parents encouraging and supporting their child’s interest through basic learning. Both parents and teachers work along side each other to encourage children to grow up to be good members of the community and to take charge of their own lives. I truly feel the main purpose of education is to help educate students so that they will be able to think critically and encourage the ability to problem solve enabling them to function in future society. In summary education is aimed at making us responsible. An interesting pause for thought :-  If you believe in yourself, focus and set your mind to it you can achieve anything.

  

Reference list

GOV.UK. (2019). The purpose of education. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-purpose-of-education [Accessed 27 Apr. 2019].

Cpag.org.uk. (2019). Child poverty facts and figures | Child Poverty Action Group. [online] Available at: http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/child-poverty-facts-and-figures [Accessed 27 Apr. 2019].

Carney Sandoe & Associates. (2019). The Purpose of Education?. [online] Available at: https://www.carneysandoe.com/blog-post/the-purpose-of-education [Accessed 27 Apr. 2019].

UK Parliament. (2019). 'Purpose and quality of Education in England' web forum. [online] Available at: https://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/education-committee/purpose-quality-education-forum-15-16/ [Accessed 27 Apr. 2019].

Blogs.ncl.ac.uk. (2019). Some thoughts on the purpose of education | Education @ Newcastle University. [online] Available at: https://blogs.ncl.ac.uk/education/2016/04/28/some-thoughts-on-the-purpose-of-education/ [Accessed 27 Apr. 2019].