“Many Perspectives, One Aim - For Education” - INSIGHT #13

                                        

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 

“Many Perspectives, One Aim - For Education” 

INSIGHT #13 

As any inquisitive person, Prachana is also amply confused and the most important realisation she had was that defining an aim for education was not easy. The main reason for that was the book “The Aims of Education” by Roger Marples which she had recently borrowed from the library. The various unrelated possibilities and clear aims given by different scholars from different backgrounds standing on their perspective made her more curious. 

When she laid down to sleep, she thought “Will there ever be an answer?” 

Soon the words in the book started playing tricks in her mind. 

Someone is walking over a vast expanse of green meadow, writing something in the air. Even before Prachana called him, he slowly turned to her and said poetically “The Aim of education is essential to lead the individual nature in each man and woman to its true fullness.” He just smiled and pointed to a group of musicians at a distance and then he vanished. 

The group was standing under a large tree with a huge canopy. Some wise-looking person was conducting a symphony and the leaves of the tree were swaying to that tune. As Prachana reached the group, everything stood still and the conductor walked towards her. He held Prachana’s chin up and said “My child, it is all about coming to an accord with the teaching of nature.” Then he touched Prachana’s forehead. 

She instantly got trans-migrated to an ancient chamber decorated with polished wooden walls, shelves filled with leather-bound books, and wooden floors. She noticed that there was no ceiling. It was twilight and there was a mesmerising combination of the light from many oil lamps mixed with the orange hue from the setting sun. He was a massive man sitting behind a massive rosewood table. He had very thick long golden hair, a beard and mustache. He looked at Prachana through his monocles, smiled, and said “Actually you know, it is very simple. “The aim of education is the cultivation of the intellect.” Suddenly a door opened behind Prachana and she robotically walked out. 

The door led to a city garden where a young teacher is talking to a group of 15-20 students. He has a cloth bag on his right shoulder and a book in his hand. Seeing Prachana he called her and asked the students to repeat what he just taught them. All of them as a chorus turned to Prachana and smiled. Then they said in unison “The aim of education should be to make people happier, more secure, less neurotic, less prejudiced.” He held them all together and ushered Prachana to join them in the classroom. 

But when she entered, what she saw was a very ancient room with many pots neatly arranged. Dry roots were hanging from the ceiling. A sage-like physician was feeling the forehead of a patient. His eyes were closed in deep thoughts concentrating on what he felt. There were a few of his disciples standing around him observing what he was doing. After some time, he opened his eyes and smiled at Prachana who was standing straight in front of him at the door. He said “I know you are looking for an answer. Here it is. Education must aim at virtue and teach a man to deny his desires, inclinations, and appetite and follow as reason directs.” Then he said, “I am not saying, mine is the last word in this. Keep looking.” Saying this, he gestured to a nearby door. 

Prachana walked as if in a trance and the door opened to a large balcony an elaborately costumed god-like person was addressing a huge crowd of his followers. There were two other people on either sides. Noticing Prachana, one of them murmured something to that god-like person. He slowly turned around and Prachana was amazed at the glow on his face. He slowly brought her to his front and told the crowd “The aim of education is indeed to cooperate with divine grace in forming the true and perfectly religious person.” Then he looked at Prachana and smiled saying "Happy?" 

As soon as she looked back at the crowd, the entire crowd changed to a sea of red. Everyone was carrying a red flag. The leader, pounding his tight fist in the air said “Aim of education should be to inculcate the materialistic outlook and communist mentality.” Then he turned to Prachana and winked with a smile. 

Looking at her incessantly moving eye-balls, Sarvaa decided, it is time to wake her up and simplify her thoughts about the aims of education. He slowly touched he shoulder and shook. Though a little shocked, Prachana was expecting Sarvaa. 

Sarvaa asked “Liked my drama? You liked all of my roles, right?” 

A shocked Pracana asked “Sarvaa! It was youuuuu…?” He nodded vigorously. 

Sarvaa continued “Now let me simplify the whole thing. Now you know, you cannot formulate the aim of education from a single perspective. You will be able to realise that all you heard were various perspectives of this one thing.” Prachana got excited. 

Sarvaa stood straight and said, “The questions about nature and purpose of education are ultimately questions about what it is to be a human and how we understand that.” He assumed the pose of a seer with one hand up as though giving a blessing. Prachana had never seen him like this before. He could not hold that pose for long. He looked at her with one eye with a naughty smile. Then he broke into a burst of laughter and vanished, leaving the room dark again. A happy Prchana went back to sleep. 

 

End of Insight #13

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

“Understand the Aims of Education” - INSIGHT #12

 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

“Understand the Aims of Education”

INSIGHT #12

Prachana was excited to see Akbar Uncle when she came home after trek. For her, he is an encyclopedia that gets updated every minute. He is a very powerful but unassuming businessman known for his honesty, helpfulness, and kindness. It is as though he had taken the responsibility of proving that business can be clean and win-win for all. He built an empire though he was not formally educated beyond 10th grade. Anybody who met him became his friend because he could talk about anything under the sun to anybody of any age. He has an aura of a respectable therapist. Her parents met Akbar much before she was born at the Library in the town where Prachana now goes regularly. His relationship with Prachana’s family was sustained all these years because they had common value systems.

Like every time, Prachana and Akbar got locked in a conversation and like every time, at the end of the conversation, he left enough food for thought in her mind. This time it was a question.

Akbar asked her casually “What are the aims of education?”. It sounded so simple and Prachana gave a silly expression and was about to reply. Then he stopped her and said, “Think before you reply. Take your time.”

Prachana realised that, both her parents were looking at them smiling with an expression “He caught you today, dear!” Prachana got a little perplexed and looked at them intently with an expression “What is there to think about it!?”

Suddenly Akbar stood up to join them for dinner. At the table, he told Prachana “I will give you a clue.” Pointing at each one, he said “You know, David, Gowri, and I are from very different backgrounds and traveling on very different paths. Yet, we are great friends for decades. Why? Think about it.”

The question kept haunting her during dinner and till she went to bed. She couldn’t sleep that night. She also hoped Sarvaa didn’t turn up so that she could find the answer herself. Soon she slipped into a deep sleep just before Sarvaa’s usual time.

She heard Sarvaa telling “My Child you are on your quest to find your own answers, I am very happy! ” Prachana thought he was talking in her dream. Didn’t realise that it was almost sunrise and yet Sarvaa was waiting for her to wake up.

Sarvaa smiled and continued “Wash your face and come. I will wait.”  When she returned, she saw three different Sarvaas. Though it looked creepy, it was funny too. All three had the head of Sarvaa and the bodies were of Gowri, David, and Akbar!!!

Akbar Sarvaa said smiling “There was the answer in my clue itself.” The other two looked at him and then looked at Prachana.

Akbar Sarvaa continued “I always had a knack for making relationships and making that beneficial to both. I always believed in helping others with whatever I have learned the hard way.”

David Sarvaa said “Prachana, I am an Artist today not by compulsion. It was my choice. Observation was my Guru.” Prachana nodded and said, “I understand!”

Gowri Sarvaa said “Oh! Dear! You know, I always loved nature and though I knew our Mother Nature could take care of herself, I felt it was my duty to ensure that we humans do not harm her. So, I did my research.”

All three of them merged with a bright cool light emanating from the fusion. There stood Prachana’s beloved Sarvaa in his full glory, smiling.

Sarvaa said, “I am sure you understood what all this drama meant for you.” Prachana agrees with a nod but with an expression to know more about it.

Sarvaa continued “Aim of education largely depends on the Value. And that value comes from their background and thought process.”

“Though the value systems of each individual will be different, we need to find out the common ones and use that to decide on the aim of education.”

“In a nutshell, we can say that one of the main aims of education should be autonomy. The ability to choose the direction of one’s life.”

Prachana jumped up and said. “So, All three of them, Mamma, Pappa and Uncle had full autonomy to choose what they want and run with it. That is why they are so successful in their own area of interest of…”

Sarvaa raised his hand and stopped her “But there is a catch. One’s choices should not be pre-determined with their religious or otherwise thoughts, at an age when one is not yet ready to make such choices.” Prachana’s face fell.

Sarvaa continued “For someone to become autonomous, they must be presented with a range of meaningful life-choices and must have the rational capacity to make a choice that suits their interests, values, and abilities.”

Prachana continued looking at Sarvaa wanting to hear more. He continued “Look closely at your parents and your Akbar Uncle. You will find the answer in them. They knew what they wanted, they did what had to be done, to become what they wanted. Simple. So…”

Prachana continued “So, one of the main aims of Education is autonomy.”

They both smiled at each other. Sarvaa snapped his fingers and vanished. But by that time, Sun had risen and Prachana was full of energy though didn’t get good sleep.

 

End of Insight #12

 

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

 

Reference : C Winch

“Education is… preparing for Life!” - INSIGHT #11

 

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

 “Education is… preparing for Life!”

 INSIGHT #11

 While Prachana was enjoying her dinner she heard a stern voice from her mother “David, how many times I have to tell you? No mobiles while eating.” She picked up the mobile and left it on the shelf. When she looked up, she was amused to see her father skulking, which happens only very rarely. He was busy watching some video.

David tried to give some excuse “Look, Gowri! Today is my masterclass and I need to prepare for that. This is going to change my profile big time internationally. And I can start working with Art Collectors across the world!” A nonchalant Gowri ignored that and continued eating with fake anger.

David continued “Gowri, please…”. She replied in a determined tone “No”.

Prachana finished and went up. She overheard her mother saying “David, please understand. We should be role models to our child. Apart from that, you know I am also pursuing my Ph.D. I am preparing a very important paper for World Environment Forum. But I always ensure a proper decorum at home.” David said, “I am sorry, Gowri”.

This rarely happened at home. Prachana thought ‘why should they still be studying at this age especially when her father was an accomplished and much-reputed artist and her mother was a much-respected professor in a nearby University. What was the need for them to study!’

This thought ate her up while she slowly slipped into a deep sleep.

As expected, Sarvaa promptly appeared. This time, he was wearing a multi-coloured graduation cap and a graduation ceremony coat. He was holding the coveted degree rolled in hand. Prachana was in deep sleep. A patient Sarvaa decided to wait. He also slowly slipped into sleep and the paper roll fell and made some sound enough to wake up Prachana.

She turned over and looked at Sarvaa in half-sleep. She got up smiling and rubbing her eyes.

Sarvaa came straight to the point as he felt he lost a lot of time, “I couldn’t wait to tell you the good news. I got a Ph.D. in parapsychology just now.”

A confused Prachana asked “You too Sarvaa! Why are you still studying? That is meant for us young kids, right?”

Smiling, Sarvaa took off the colourful cap and the overcoat. They both just vanished. But the Degree he was holding was still on the floor.

She took it up and as she was about to open, Sarvaa stopped “Let us talk. I didn’t expect that question or any such doubt at least from you. You are a smart child of very smart parents. I know you have many questions.”

Prachana, though a little embarrassed, asked in a funny way “Sarvaa, can’t I even get confused? What for are you, then? My all-knowing mentor?”

Sarvaa stood up and started walking up and down talking to Prachana.

“My Child, you need to understand that, education is not meant only for those in the so-called student age.” Prachana is all ears and excited to conceive what Sarvaa was saying.

“Education is a preparation for life.” Saying this, Sarvaa paused. As expected, Prachana’s face was full of questions that nothing was coming out.

Sarvaa continued “And for you to understand that, there are different aspects to life. And these are, liberal, civic, and vocational.”  Sarvaa was sure that those terms were too high for Prachana. So he continued without waiting for Prachana’s reaction.

Sarvaa said “The liberal aspect of education is nothing but empowering a person to appreciate their own potential in life and at the same time understanding the culture of the community that person belongs. That will help them to make informed choices and decisions about the direction their life should take that person.” Prachana, though not too clear seemed to get a hang of what Sarvaa was saying. So she just nodded.

Sarvaa continued “Civic aspect is all about that person’s role as a citizen who votes and takes part in politics, is active doing activities, voluntary or charitable.” Prachana is getting it now.

Before Sarvaa could continue, Prachana jumped in, “Being liberal in life means I should be educated enough to decide which direction my life should go.” Sarvaa felt very happy. He waited for her to continue.

Prachana continued “Civic aspect of life is essentially becoming useful to the society by being a part of the overall nation governing machine.” Sarvaa smiled and extended her hand to shake. A thrilled Prachana took his hand a shook wildly. Sarvaa acred as though his hand was paining. She suddenly stopped and took a deep breath and asked

‘And the third aspect? Vocational, right?”

Sarvaa smiled and cleared his throat. He said “Vocational aspect is all about contributing to the growth of the nation by way of being a paid employee or self-employed.”

Sarvaa continued “I know it is a little too much for you to digest now. But you are smart… When you wake up, everything will be clear to you. It is almost morning now.” 

Without waiting, Sarvaa vanished. In the starlight, she could see the rolled degree Certificate. She opened it and saw writing in bold calligraphic style got revealed.

“Education is... preparing for Life!”

 

End of Insight #11

 

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education

 

Reference : C Winch

“Emotion in Education!” - INSIGHT #10

 PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

“Emotion in Education!”

INSIGHT #10

For the last several days, though Prachana was focussed on assimilating the wisdom she is acquiring through the books Sarvaa suggested, she had a doubt in her mind. When we spoke about Values, Knowledge, and Procedure, why did we leave out the important aspect of ‘emotions’? She was in a dilemma whether to ask that to Sarvaa or not. Then she remembered a conversation she had with Sarvaa once. 

Sarvaa had told, “Like every problem has a solution, every question deserves an answer.” Only when she decided to ask that question to Sarvaa, she could sleep well. 

As usual, Prachana woke up exactly at 3 am hoping to see Sarvaa waiting. But Sarvaa was not there. She waited for some time but Sarvaa didn’t come. She felt very sad and went back to sleep sobbing. But she couldn’t sleep. She could hear her wall clock ticking away. Her eyes were getting moist.

Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder trying to turn her to the other side. There he was!

Sarvaa in all his glory. The happy Prachana jumped up and hugged Sarvaa. Sarvaa slowly sat beside her.

Sarvaa said with a smile “Your doubt is valid. I should have been clearer when I told you about the breadth of knowledge and understanding.” Prachana couldn’t understand. She looked at him quizzically but with a smile on her face feeling ashamed of herself for crying.

Sarvaa said “My Child, it is not wrong to feel ashamed for exhibiting your emotions. Let us come to the point. You thought the element of emotion is ignored when we spoke about the Values, Knowledge, and Procedure.”

Prachana sat comfortably on the bed and said “Yes, Sarvaa. Exactly! You got it right.” Then she giggled. Sarvaa also laughed.

“But you are wrong.” Said Sarvaa. Prachana, as expected, got confused.

“We spoke about the need for understanding the knowledge. And that is where you missed the point. But it is okay. Many children don’t get that unless explicitly told.” Sarvaa stood up and started walking up and down talking. Sarvaa was thinking about how to start. Prachana’s eyes followed him.

“Let’s say, you are reading a horror story, which I know you don’t like much because you feel scared.” He laughed teasing her. Seeing Prachana’s expression of made-up anger, Sarvaa got back to his talk as though he got terrified of her look. But he was laughing inside.

Sarvaa continued “Tell me, do you first read and understand the story and then take a lunch break and then feel afraid thinking what you read?” 

“Noooooo… how can that be? Of course, I feel scared when I read. Not later. That is ridiculous!” She said with an expression as though saying ‘that is common sense’.

Sarvaa now asked holding a book with a cover of a colourful picture of a Joker “Then what about the ‘Book of 1000 Jokes’? Do you read the jokes first and then laugh when you talk to Mamma?”

Prachana understood that Sarvaa is pulling her leg. She said “Sarvaa, enough! I understood what you are trying to tell. You are saying that emotion is a part and parcel of knowledge and understanding that.”

Sarvaa said “See! You know everything. But let me put it technically. There is always a cognitive aspect to emotions and an emotive aspect to cognitions.” Prachana found it hard to assimilate immediately but she knew she would get it technically also as she understood the idea behind it.

Sarvaa continued “Development of feeling is part and parcel of the development of knowledge and understanding.” Prachana felt a little more clear about the concept of emotion in education.

Prachana now nodded happily and felt relaxed. When the room went dark and Sarvaa vanished she could see the Joker’s picture on her table. At first, she thought she was imagining the book lying on her table. But it was there.

A happy Prachana peacefully slept the rest of the night.

End of Insight #10

 

Reference : R S Peter’s Analysis of ‘Education’

#learning_from_my_child

#philosophy_of_education

#education