Through the series of Kashec Lectures, via. Medium of, ’Thinkers Forum’, Mr. Prakash Sharma, delivered the second lecture on the Topic, ’The Purpose of Education’
on 9th Oct. 2010 in Pune
Attributing the present purpose of education primarily to, gaining literacy coupled with academic knowledge@ 3 R’s i.e. Reading, Writing & Arithmetic, further acquiring subject wise academic knowledge, he pointed out that, accumulated academic knowledge being vast cannot be grasped fully by students in few years of academic education.
He further stated that this resulted in, cramming in of knowledge as much as possible. But for few, majority students seldom succeed in this, and hence do not get good grades, qualifications & are denied social stability, status etc.in the society.
They get stamped as failures and are permanently doomed to low self esteem & confidence. Therefore, the purpose of education as per current scenario, viz. achieving good grades, getting a well paid job works for the very few, but does not server this intended purpose for the as majority of students, hence warrants a review.
The discussion further covers the need for a limited curriculum, imbibing in students the idea of self education, and training them in all the important Life Skills.
The life skills include, - Ability to think independently, clearly, unencumbered by prejudices, dictates of authorities & traditions, - Developing emotional intelligence, - Ability to fulfill your commitments, acquiring good communications skills, - putting your point of view effectively & purposefully, - importance of maintaining respect & dignity etc.
The discourse points out that the real purpose of the academic education to be, - to generate interest, encourage curiosity & sow seeds for enhancement of knowledge, so the desire of wanting to learn rather than having to learn is prevalent.
The thought provoking discussion ultimately sails through, how to face, ups, & downs, errors, regret bad lucks etc. in life & live happy & fulfilling life, touching on the importance of spirituality in life.
The full text of the lecture is released on the blog for discussion through electronic media, for reading, comments, views etc. A thorough discussion through above formats, it is hoped, will finally lead to the formation of an action group to effect change on so lively a topic of paramount importance to the well-being of the society.
To have your say please go to the following blog.--
