The 4 pillars of civilized society are all equal in their importance. This being said, I decided to begin with Education first. This post is merely an introduction to open the way for further discussion.
~ The Purpose Of Education ~
Education has only two purposes:
The first purpose of education is to learn how to express yourself, and how to understand expressions originating outside yourself.
The second purpose of education is to learn from the lessons of others, and to pass on the lessons you have learned.
<> <> <>
Within education, there are many sub-categories that need recognition:
~ The Basics ~
There are three areas I consider to be the basics of education. These are the beginning points for all other education. While there are other areas of education and learning, these three things appear to be needed in all other areas.
Basic language is learning the alphabet and the beginning of how to speak, read and write. Learning to speak, read and write are important basics of education because they are a means of expressing self, and understanding expressions of others. Without language there is no meaningful communication.
Basic math is the language of numbers and the beginning of how to understand operations. Learning to add, subtract, multiply, and divide are important basics of education because they are a means of expressing logic, and understanding expressions of logic.
Basic art is the language of emotional connection using a creative medium; learning art is the beginnings of how to manipulate a creative medium to invoke an emotional comprehension. Learning to draw or paint or sculpt or sing or act or make music is important as one of the basics of education because they are a means of expressing self worth, and understanding the expressions of beauty seen elsewhere.
Sadly, many institutions do not understand art to be of great importance. However, for teaching to be effective there must be some form of presentation. While math is the language of logic and precision, art is the language of connectivity; without which teaching and learning become much more difficult.
~ The Structure Of Learning ~
I believe most of today's educational systems (either purposefully, or by some unknown design) lack an effective structure for learning. There are many structures in place for teaching, but very little for learning. Exploration of new methods to learn and comprehend ourselves and others is paramount to developing a more excellent learning experience.
I believe in adapting Neuro-Linguistic Programming [NLP] into a system for more effective learning.
~ Discovery Of Passion ~
When it comes to higher learning, I believe it is far more crucial to first discover a passion to pursue. This requires exposure to many different things, and a general allowance for exploration.
I have heard many complain that they aren't good at anything. I always wonder at that. How do they know? Have they tried dabbling in everything yet? A girl might not ever discover she's a good welder unless she tries it.
So it is important to discover the things that cause wonder, develop fascination and drive passion. Once a passion to pursue has been discovered, then there exists the motivation to learn, but more importantly, there is a definite direction to focus higher education upon.
~ Higher Education ~
Higher education can come in many different forms. Some become "street wise" learning from the "school of hard knocks". Some become apprenticed to masters in one trade or another, and gain a hands-on education. Some go to college and attend lectures on various topics that interest them.
There is a sad form of higher education. Directionless attendance of lectures and classes which hold no interest for the one attending creates a negative learning experience, devoid of passion and motivation. This kind of "higher education" needs an upgrade.
This is not to say that lectures and classes don't have value. They do. What I am saying is the value is directly proportionate to what the student learns by attending. If a student attends a class only to check it off a prescribed list of required courses, instead of having an interest in the class itself (or the direct results the class leads to) then the student is not likely to learn as well as they might otherwise.
<> <> <>
This post is meant to open discussion for education. If you wish to participate, please join the G+ community Fellowship of Excellence.
