Education is the process by which people acquire and develop skills, knowledge, values, beliefs, and attitudes. It is a vital part of human life that prepares people for a variety of occupations and contributes to individual and societal well-being. It enables individuals to pursue their personal goals and aspirations, as well as fulfil social roles and responsibilities.
Education can take place in a variety of settings, from formal schools to workplace training programs. It can be delivered online, through traditional classrooms or community-based workshops. Regardless of the setting, the intention is to help people learn and achieve success in their lives. Throughout history, learning has taken many forms: informally through oral communication and imitation; formally through the teaching of religious or secular subjects in ancient civilizations; and now, globally, through public school systems.
There are many views of the purpose of education, with some seeing it as a tool for economic development, while others view it as a means to nurture a skilled labour force and promote equality. Educated people are also better equipped to manage their own health and wellbeing, which is especially important as the world’s population becomes older.
In this regard, education has a crucial role to play in promoting sustainable growth and addressing global challenges. It is often a critical factor in poverty alleviation, as it allows individuals to gain a greater understanding of the value of work and money, as well as how to save for the future. It can help them make smarter choices regarding nutrition, exercise and the use of healthcare services.
While there are different views of the purpose of education, most agree that it is a key ingredient in a person’s ability to function as a citizen and member of society. It provides the foundation for a wide range of abilities and competences, such as literacy, numeracy, interpersonal skills and an appreciation of diversity. It also teaches important character traits like honesty, humility and humanity.
The problem is that education can easily slip into a mode of’schooling’, where learning is treated as an object to be’moulded’ and not as a process of experience (Dewey 1938: 25). This can have negative effects on the quality of life in the long term.
This is why it is crucial to understand the true purpose of education. It should be about accelerating people’s mindful progress so that they can contribute to the creation of thriving communities. This is a holistic approach, and it encompasses the various aspects of well-being, including economic, physical, social, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a perspective that has been strongly influenced by the work of Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, both of whom have emphasized the need to redefine the purpose of education.