EDUCATION FOR LIFE

Education is a light that shows the mankind the right direction to surge. The purpose of education is not just making a child literate. Education adds rationality to ones thinking, makes one knowledgeable and self sufficient.

If education fails to inculcate self-discipline and commitment to achieve in the minds of children, it is not their fault. The school the teachers and parents are responsible for not giving the child quality education. Indeed, the quality of ones life stems from the quality of education one gets in the childhood.

We have to convert education into a sport. The learning process has to generate interest in the students and motivate them to stay back in the institution than to run away from it. Education should become a fun and thrill to them rather than a burden and boredom. It is an integral part of their growth and helps them become good citizens.

*******

Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.

Swami Vivekananda
[1863-1902]

*************

Education

                The term education encompasses a whole gamut of experimental learning which, in a school, is given through teachers in the classroom and often, more importantly, outside. It is the nature of the experience and how it is designed to be imparted that makes the difference between a good school and an ordinary school.

How are the academic subjects taught and what is it a school should teach outside academic subjects?

There are three important functions, among others, of the educational process in the classroom apart from mere learning:

• To develop problem-solving abilities.
• To develop creative abilities, and
• To develop curiosity and an inquisitive spirit.

Does the school have systems of teaching and learning that encourage development of the above? For instance, through assignments, seminars and project work? What place does the library have in the learning process? In the assessment systems used by the school, how much emphasis is given to marks?

Often the opportunities for learning outside the classroom are greater, through sports and games and other activities like adventure sports, dramatics and community service. All play an important role in developing character and citizenship. A good school will provide a balance of opportunities in its curriculum to allow a student to develop along his or her special interests and talent.

Mr Shomie Das, a renowned educationist
former Headmaster, The Doon School & Lawrence School, Sanawar

*******************

Educational Philosophy

• Education is a shared responsibility in a school community of board, administration, faculty, students and parents.
• A safe and secure environment that is marked by respect for the rights of others and acceptance of personal responsibility is conducive to effective learning.
• Education must encompass the development of the whole individual; academic, aesthetic, creative, social, physical, emotional and spiritual.
• Students are individuals whose learning is influenced by age, prior knowledge, background, experiences, personality and physiology.
• The learning environment and educational process should recognize different learning styles, abilities and interests.
• Education is most effective when the learner is actively engaged in the learning process.
• Education should provide meaningful and relevant experiences that parallel those found in everyday life.
• The student’s school experience should foster self-esteem and self-confidence, which are integral components of the successful learner.
• Education should foster independent thinking to encourage creativity, thoughtful decision making, critical analysis, and an appreciation and understanding of differences in opinion.
• The school experience should promote positive interpersonal relationships where students can work together, become caring and sharing individuals, with the concern and feeling for others.
• The establishment of realistic, yet challenging expectations and the learner’s responsibility for their achievement promotes excellence.
• Education should encourage responsible citizenship and global awareness.

By R. Martin Kennedy,
Courtesy Ramchandani Education Consultants Pvt. Ltd