It is our responsibility
as educators to educate the next generation of adults to become valued members
of our society. Education isn’t just about teaching students maths, English, Science
etc, it is introducing them to knowledge of the world around them, about cultures,
independence and repairing them to lead a successful and meaningful life and
career. It is an educators responsibilities to ensure all students are fulfilled
and resilience to succeed in adult life, creating a character to overcome everyday
challenges as the person they want to be. The whole purpose of education is to
ensure children are prepared for adult life.
Donaldson
has stated ‘’The purposes of the curriculum in Wales should be that children
and young people develop as:
-ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn
throughout their lives.
-enterprising, creative contributors, ready to
play a full part in life and work.
-ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the
world.
-healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead
fulfilling lives as valued members of society.’’ (2015, p.29).
While completing
my assessments and presentations through my time in university I had a conversations
with my siblings one day about their education which really interested me. Each
and every child has a different view on educations and it was enlightening to
hear there’s. I ask them to put together a short video around what they like
about school, if they had a favourite teacher and why? And also what they
wanted to do when they finish compulsory school in which I have included below.
The school
students in the video are 15 and 16 years old meaning they are currently sitting
their GCSE’s in years 10 and 11 in compulsory education. Both of these students
go to a welsh speaking school in Wales and it is really interesting to hear first-hand
from the student how they feel about their education. It is clear throughout the
video both of the student enjoyed the subjects that ere made fun and engaging for
them, as well as the subjects that have ‘fun’ teachers. The more fun and engaging
lesson are for student the more they are going to enjoy studying and want to precipitate
in activities rather then being made to. One of the most important factors in education
is a good teacher, the teacher makes a massive difference to a student education,
by making them feel comfortable, confident and approachable.
This takes
me back to when I was in school, every student has a favourite teacher and mine
it the reason why I wanted to become an educator. He was an incredible educator
and no matter what challenges I came across he was always there to lend a
helping hand, to find ways in which work for me throughout my time in his
lessons as well as making me feel comfortable enough to ask for help if I was struggling.
Education isn’t just learning facts and passing exams, it is with the guidance of
the teachers it is to find yourself, find the person you want to be and get the
skills you need to succeed. Educators are there for support, guidance and
positivity when its needed, they are there to push you to be the best person
you cam possibly be within the society you live in. If I can be half the educator
my old secondary school teacher was I will be extremely proud to call myself a
teacher.
The
purpose of education isn’t to educate the children enough to pass their exams,
it is guide them into the path they want to follow, to become the person they want
to become as well as creating their own character.
I have
done quite a lot of research into the purpose of education since starting my
university course. Through that research I came across a paper written by
Martin Luther King Jr which has struck me hard and is a quote I will always
keep in the back of my mind when I become an educator myself. He stated ‘’We must remember that intelligence
is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education.
The complete education gives one not only power of concentration, but worthy
objectives upon which to concentrate. The broad education will, therefore,
transmit to one not only the accumulated knowledge of the race but also the
accumulated experience of social living’’ (1947).
Luther
King Jr, M. (1947). The purpose of
Education.
Gibb, N.
(2015) GOV – The purpose of Education.
Online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-purpose-of-education
[Accessed 11.03.2019].
Donaldson,
G. (2015). Successful Futures - Independent
Review of Curriculum and Assessment Arrangements in Wales
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