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Concept and aims of education: AHSEC Class 11 Education notes, answers
Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF and guide of Class 11 (first year) Education textbook, chapter 1 Concept and aims of education, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under AHSEC/ASSEB (Assam Board). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
Education is a multifaceted term with deep historical roots, encompassing a broad range of definitions and interpretations. It is a deliberate process aimed at developing individuals’ character and abilities to help them adapt to their environment and contribute meaningfully to society.
The term “Education” is derived from Latin words “E” and “Duco” meaning “I lead out,” suggesting the process of drawing out inherent potential. Other derivations include “Educare” (to nourish or bring up) and “Educatum” (the act of teaching or training), all emphasizing the nurturing and development of human capabilities.
Philosophers and educators have varied definitions of education. Socrates viewed it as the development of universal elements dormant in individuals, while Plato considered it the capacity to feel pleasure and pain at the right moment. Aristotle defined education as the creation of a sound mind in a sound body, and Pestalozzi described it as the harmonious and progressive development of innate powers. John Dewey saw education as the development of capacities to control the environment and fulfill possibilities, whereas M.K. Gandhi believed it involved drawing out the best in body, mind, and spirit. Swami Vivekananda described education as the manifestation of divine perfection in man.
Education can be understood in both narrow and wider senses. In the narrow sense, formal education starts at school with structured curricula, teaching methods, and evaluation systems aimed at passing examinations. In the wider sense, education is a lifelong process that includes all life experiences that refine and broaden an individual’s horizon, developing relationships with various aspects of society.
Education is a bi-polar and tri-polar process. In the bi-polar process, there is interaction between teacher and student, where the teacher’s influence develops the student’s personality. The tri-polar process adds society as a third component, influencing the aims, content, and methods of teaching. John Dewey emphasized the role of society in shaping education, making it a social endeavor.
Education is an ongoing process from birth to death, continuously modifying behavior, character, and knowledge through experiences acquired at home, school, and other social settings. It modifies instinctive behavior, instilling desires and needs for change, fostering continuous development throughout life. Education also helps individuals understand societal concepts of right and wrong, modifying old customs and beliefs to foster progressive changes.
The scope of education aims at the all-round development of individuals, including physical, mental, moral, social, and spiritual aspects. It encompasses manners, values, skills, and attitudes acquired throughout life.
There are three types of education: formal, informal, and non-formal. Formal education is organized and structured in schools with fixed curricula and evaluation methods. Informal education is unplanned, casual learning through daily experiences and interactions within the community. Non-formal education is organized but flexible, aimed at all-around development and accessible to all age groups with flexible entry and exit points.
The aims of education include individual, social, vocational, and democratic aspects. The individual aim focuses on developing individual excellence and potential, helping each person contribute uniquely to society. However, it may neglect social development if overemphasized. The social aim emphasizes societal development and conformity to state ideals, but it is criticized for potentially ignoring individual differences and imposing too many restrictions. The vocational aim focuses on economic self-sufficiency and practical skills for employment, addressing economic needs but potentially neglecting broader human development. The democratic aim promotes self-realization, human relations, economic efficiency, and civic responsibility, helping individuals adjust to society and bring about desirable social changes.
Education is closely related to various other subjects. In relation to biology, education studies the influence of heredity and environment on development, applying this knowledge to physical and mental growth. Sociology views education as a social endeavor that reflects societal structures and norms, influencing and being influenced by societal changes. Philosophy provides the principles and values guiding educational aims, curriculum, and teaching methods. Economics enhances economic productivity and addresses issues like unemployment through vocational training. Statistics is used in educational research for data collection, analysis, and interpretation to improve educational practices and outcomes.
Education is a comprehensive and dynamic process essential for individual and societal development. It involves various types and aims, each contributing uniquely to the overall growth of individuals and communities. Understanding its multifaceted nature helps in shaping effective educational policies and practices that foster holistic development.
Textbook questions and answers
1. What is education? Explain its meaning by giving suitable definitions.
Answer: Education is a comprehensive term that refers to a deliberate and planned activity aimed at moulding the character of individuals.
According to Socrates, “Education is the development of the universal elements, which is dormant in every individual.” Plato defines education as “the capacity to feel pleasure and pain at the right moment.” Aristotle describes education as “the creation of a sound mind in a sound body.” Pestalozzi sees education as “the natural, harmonious, and progressive development of man’s innate powers.” John Dewey states, “Education is the development of all those capacities in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfil his possibilities.” Sir Percy Nunn believes “Education is the complete development of the individuality of the child so that he can make an original contribution to human life.” M.K. Gandhi says, “By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man – body, mind, and spirit.” Swami Vivekananda defines education as “the manifestation of divine perfection already existing in man.”
2. From which word, the word ‘‘Education’’ has been originated?
Answer: The word “Education” has been derived from two Latin words: “E” and “Duco.” “E” means “out of” and “Duco” means “I lead.” So, education implies that out of the native potentialities, I can lead or develop. Another derivation is “Educare,” which means “to enhance,” “to develop,” “to improve,” “to draw out,” or “to lead out.” Additionally, “Educatum” means “the act of teaching or training.”
3. Explain the scope of Education.
Answer: The scope of education encompasses all aspects of human development, including physical, mental, moral, social, and spiritual. It includes all the knowledge and experiences acquired at home, school, playground, and other environments. Education is a lifelong process that begins at birth and continues throughout life. It is comprehensive and cannot be restricted within specific boundaries. Education includes manners, values, morals, tastes, skills, attitudes, social customs, conditions, languages, and beliefs.
4. Write in brief about the narrow and wider meaning of education.
Answer: In the narrow sense, education is a planned and organized process that starts when a child enters school. It involves deliberate efforts to inculcate values, habits, or attitudes through a proper curriculum, discipline, and teaching methods. Education is measured in terms of marks or grades in examinations. In the wider sense, education includes all influences and experiences acquired throughout life, from birth to death. It is a social process that broadens horizons, deepens insights, refines reactions, and stimulates thoughts and feelings, contributing to the development of an individual.
5. Education is a ‘‘Bi-polar’’ as well as ‘‘Tri-polar’’ process. Discuss.
Answer: Sir John Adams described education as a bi-polar process in which the teacher represents one pole and the student the other. The teacher’s personality influences the student’s personality to modify and develop it. Education is a dynamic interaction between the teacher and the taught. John Dewey considered education as a tri-polar process, involving the teacher, the student, and society. Society plays a crucial role in determining the aims, contents, and methods of teaching. The teacher designs and evaluates student experiences in light of social surroundings, making education a success through societal influence.
6. Explain the following concepts-
(a) Education as a lifelong process.
Answer: Education is the acquisition of experience throughout an individual’s life. It begins at birth and continues until death, encompassing all knowledge and experiences acquired at home, school, playground, etc. It is a continuous process that modifies behaviour, character, and knowledge, striving for perfection.
(b) Education as modification of human behaviour.
Answer: Education helps in modifying behaviour from instinctive tendencies to learned behaviours. It gives rise to the desire and need for change, making the process of modification continuous throughout life. Education identifies itself through this process of modification.
(c) Education as an instrument of social change.
Answer: Education helps bring about constant changes in society by teaching children the concepts of right and wrong and modifying old customs, faiths, and beliefs. It fosters progressive changes and prepares individuals to adjust and contribute positively to society.
7. Write briefly on –
(a) Formal education
Answer: Formal education is provided in educational institutions in an organized way. It involves a fixed curriculum, timetable, and qualified teachers. Formal education follows formal rules, methods, and disciplines, with evaluations based on examinations. Certificates, degrees, and diplomas are awarded upon passing these examinations.
(b) Informal education
Answer: Informal education is comprehensive and not pre-planned. It is gained through daily experiences and activities within the community, including home, religious and social institutions, radio, newspaper, television, etc. It does not follow formal rules or methods and does not award certificates or degrees. Social adjustment is the basis of evaluation.
(c) Non-formal education
Answer: Non-formal education developed to address the inadequacies of formal education. It is organized and pre-planned but not strictly formal. It is learner-dominated, flexible, and continuous, with entry and exit flexibility. Non-formal education aims at all-round development and awards certificates and degrees based on evaluations.
8. Distinguish between –
(a) Formal and informal education
Answer:
| Formal Education | Informal Education |
|---|---|
| Deliberately planned with a specific end in view | Purely incidental and spontaneous, not pre-planned |
| Imparted through formal institutions like schools or colleges | Received from any person at any time or place |
| Has a fixed curriculum, timetable, and qualified teachers | No formal curriculum, timetable, or need for qualified teachers |
| Follows formal rules, methods, and disciplines | No formal rules, disciplines, or methods |
| Students’ evaluation based on examinations, degrees or certificates awarded | Evaluation based on social adjustment, no degrees or certificates awarded |
(b) Formal and Non-formal education
Answer:
| Formal Education | Non-formal Education |
|---|---|
| Fixed concepts and contents in its curriculum | Diversified curriculum responsive to learners’ needs |
| Time-bound | Lifelong |
| Sources of education are schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions | Sources include open schools, distance education, part-time education, etc. |
| Imposed by the teacher on students | Encourages self-learning |
| Rigid curriculum, strict discipline, fixed goals | Flexible curriculum, inner discipline, self-awareness program |
| Certificates, degrees awarded based on examination | Certificates, degrees awarded based on evaluation |
| Has age limits | No age limits |
| Does not utilize all human resources | Based on maximum utilization of human potentials |
9. Who was the chief supporter of the individual aim of education?
Answer: Sir Percy Nunn was the chief supporter of the individual aim of education.
10. What is meant by education for individuality? How far do you accept this view?
Answer: Education for individuality means developing the unique qualities and possibilities of each child into a distinct individuality. It aims at the free development of each individual, helping every boy and girl achieve the highest degree of personal excellence. Education should foster the growth of individuality, respecting individual life as the means through which real value can enter the world. The individual aim of education is widely accepted for its emphasis on developing personal excellence and contributions to human welfare.
11. Explain the social aim of education with its merits and demerits.
Answer: The social aim of education focuses on the development of society for the betterment of individuals. John Dewey emphasized that education should promote social progress, train individuals to conform to societal ideals, and prepare them to live effectively within society. The merits of the social aim include making man a human being, formulating social progress, aiding in social adjustment, and preparing individuals to serve society. The demerits include the extreme control of the state, ignoring individual differences, reducing individuals to non-entities, and not emphasizing self-realization.
12. Make a difference between the individual and social aim of education.
Answer:
| Individual Aim of Education | Social Aim of Education |
|---|---|
| Based on the philosophy of naturalism | Based on the philosophy of pragmatism |
| Importance on biological heredity | Importance on social heredity |
| Aims at developing man’s biological potential | Aims at attaining social efficiency |
| Full freedom for individual development | Full freedom and power to the state |
| Social development is subordinate to individual development | Individual development is subordinate to social development |
13. The individual and social aim of education are not contradictory but complementary to each other. Discuss the statement.
Answer: Individual and social aims of education should not be viewed as separate or contradictory but as complementary. The development of society depends on individual excellence, and individual development is influenced by social progress. Education should aim at developing social individuals, allowing individuals to contribute to societal welfare while also fostering personal growth and excellence. John Dewey emphasized the importance of a social environment for individual development and the need for individuals to realize their fullest potential within society.
14. What is the vocational aim of education? What makes this aim so important for society?
Answer: The vocational aim of education focuses on making individuals economically self-sufficient and preparing them to bear future economic responsibilities. It is also known as the “Bread and butter aim” or “Utilitarian aim.” Vocational education is important for society because it helps individuals become self-sufficient, supports children with lower intelligence, aids in the effective use of manpower resources for national development, and creates good citizens. It addresses socio-economic problems and bridges gaps in society by providing skills and training for employment.
15. What should be the aim of education in a democracy?
Answer: The aim of education in a democracy should be to create democratic personalities, educate for citizenship, develop interests and attitudes toward the universe, cultivate sound thinking habits, master individual and social skills, and develop a passion for social justice. Education should help individuals understand their rights and duties, adjust to their environment, and contribute to desirable societal changes.
16. Write briefly on the relation of education with
(a) Biology
Answer: Education and Biology both study man and his environment. Biology focuses on the influence of heredity and environment on individual development, while education studies the physical, mental, and emotional development of individuals. Biology deals with the physical environment, whereas education considers both physical and social environments. Biology covers areas such as the central nervous system, brain functions, genes, chromosomes, hormones, and dietary habits, all of which are also studied in education to enhance knowledge and development.
(b) Sociology
Answer: Education is a social endeavour aimed at maximizing individual abilities. Sociology, derived from the Latin word “Socio” and Greek word “Logos,” is the systematic study of society, including social relations, stratification, interaction, and culture. The relationship between education and sociology involves the debate over whether education should overcome social inequalities or promote societal equilibrium. Regardless, education is a social effort reflecting and guiding society, influenced by social forces.
(c) Philosophy
Answer: Education and philosophy are closely related, with philosophy providing principles and directions for moulding individual behaviour. Education works out these ideals, values, and principles, guided by philosophical methods. Philosophy offers aims of education, influences curriculum, teaching methods, and discipline, and every great philosopher has contributed educational ideas. Philosophy and education are two sides of the same coin, providing a comprehensive approach to human development.
(d) Economics
Answer: Education and Economics are closely related as education makes a country economically rich by improving human resources. Vocational education aims at economic self-sufficiency, helping individuals earn their livelihood and contributing to national development. Economics teaches better production for personal and national benefit, achievable through education. Education addresses issues like unemployment and population explosion, promoting literacy, self-reliance, and economic stability.
(e) Statistics
Answer: Statistics involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, providing diagrammatic and graphical representations for better understanding and problem-solving. Education helps in the entire process, making statistical information comprehensible and applicable. Statistics is used in various fields, including education, to analyze and interpret data scientifically, aiding in educational evaluations and improvements.
Extra fill in the blanks
1. The term “education” has been derived from the Latin words “E” and ______.
Answer: Duco
2. According to Socrates, education is the development of the ______ elements, which is dormant in every individual.
Answer: universal
3. Plato defines education as the capacity to feel pleasure and ______ at the right moment.
Answer: pain
4. Aristotle describes education as the creation of a sound mind in a sound ______.
Answer: body
5. John Dewey states that education is the development of all those ______ in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfil his possibilities.
Answer: capacities
6. According to Pestalozzi, education is the natural, harmonious, and progressive development of man’s innate ______.
Answer: powers
7. Swami Vivekananda defines education as the manifestation of ______ perfection already existing in man.
Answer: divine
8. The narrow sense of education is a planned and ______ process.
Answer: organized
9. In the wider sense, education includes the totality of ______ and experiences acquired throughout life.
Answer: influences
10. Sir John Adams describes education as a ______ process.
Answer: bi-polar
11. John Dewey considers education as a ______ process, involving the teacher, student, and society.
Answer: tri-polar
12. Education begins at birth and continues throughout ______.
Answer: life
13. Education is considered a lifelong process of striving for ______.
Answer: perfection
14. Education helps in the modification of human ______.
Answer: behaviour
15. Education serves as an instrument of social ______.
Answer: change
16. The scope of education encompasses physical, mental, moral, social, and ______ development.
Answer: spiritual
17. Formal education is provided in an ______ institution in an organized way.
Answer: educational
18. Informal education is not pre-planned and is gained through daily ______ and activities.
Answer: experiences
19. Non-formal education aims at all-round ______ of man and is learner-dominated.
Answer: development
20. Aristotle believed that the main aim of education is to create a ______ mind in a sound body.
Answer: sound
21. The individual aim of education focuses on developing the ______ qualities and possibilities of a child.
Answer: innate
22. The social aim of education emphasizes the development of ______.
Answer: society
23. The vocational aim of education is sometimes referred to as the ______ and butter aim.
Answer: bread
24. Vocational aim makes an individual self-sufficient and ______ in life.
Answer: independent
25. Liberal or cultural aim of education helps in utilizing leisure time in a more ______ way.
Answer: creative
26. John Dewey emphasized that education is a ______ process to bring about the progress of all aspects of society.
Answer: dynamic
27. Democratic education should inculcate democratic values and develop ______ personalities.
Answer: democratic
28. Education is closely related to various subjects such as Biology, Sociology, Philosophy, Economics, and ______.
Answer: Statistics
29. Biology studies the influence of heredity and ______ on the development of an individual.
Answer: environment
30. Sociology is the systematic study of ______.
Answer: society
31. Philosophy lays down the ______ and directions for moulding the behaviour of an individual.
Answer: principles
32. Education helps in making a country economically ______.
Answer: rich
33. Statistics deals with the collection, analysis, and ______ of data.
Answer: interpretation
34. Education is a social effort and reflects the ______ of society.
Answer: values
35. The concept of non-formal education was developed by the International ______.
Answer: Commission
36. Informal education starts at the very ______ of a child and continues till death.
Answer: birth
37. Formal education has a fixed ______ of study and time table.
Answer: curriculum
38. Non-formal education is flexible in terms of entry and ______, re-entry and re-exit.
Answer: exit
39. Vocational aim helps in solving socio-economic problems and bridging the ______ in society.
Answer: gap
40. The primary aim of education is the creation of democratic ______.
Answer: personalities
Extra questions and answers
1. What is the etymological meaning of the term “Education”?
Answer: The word “Education” has been derived from the two Latin words “E” and “Duco”. “E” means “Out of” and “Duco” means “I lead”. Another Latin derivation is “Educare” which means “to enhance”, “to develop”, “to improve”, “to draw out” or “to lead out”. According to some other educationists, “Education” has been derived from the Latin word “Educare” which means “to nourish”, “to bring up”, “to foster”, “to raise” the child for development. “Educatum” is another derivation of the term “Education”, meaning “the act of teaching or training”.
Q. According to Socrates, what is education?
Answer: According to Socrates, “Education is the development of the universal elements, which is dormant in every individual.”
Q. How does Plato define education?
Answer: According to Plato, “Education is the capacity to feel pleasure and pain at the right moment.”
Q. What is Aristotle’s view on education?
Answer: Aristotle speaks of education as “the creation of a sound mind in a sound body.”
Q. How does Pestalozzi define education?
Answer: Pestalozzi defines education as “the natural, harmonious, and progressive development of man’s innate powers.”
Q. What does John Dewey say about education?
Answer: John Dewey maintains, “Education is the development of all those capacities in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfill his possibilities.”
Q. According to Sir Percy Nunn, what is education?
Answer: Sir Percy Nunn says, “Education is the complete development of the individuality of the child so that he can make an original contribution to human life.”
Q. What is M.K. Gandhi’s definition of education?
Answer: According to M.K. Gandhi, “By education, I mean an all-round drawing out of the best in the child and man body, mind and spirit.”
Q. How does Swamy Vivekananda define education?
Answer: According to Swamy Vivekananda, “Education is the manifestation of divine perfection, already existing in man.”
Q. What is the narrow meaning of education?
Answer: In the narrow sense, education is a planned and organized process. It is believed that education of the child starts as soon as he enters the school. Here, the teacher makes deliberate efforts to inculcate certain values, habits, or attitudes in children. Proper curriculum, discipline, and method of teaching are followed in the school. Education received by children is measured in terms of marks or grades in examinations.
Q. What is the wider meaning of education?
Answer: In the wider sense, education includes the totality of influences and experiences that an individual acquires throughout his life from birth to death. It is a social process where one’s life is the background of his education. Whatever broadens our horizon, deepens our insight, refines our reaction, and stimulates our thoughts and feelings educates us.
Q. Describe education as a bi-polar process.
Answer: Sir John Adams, in his book entitled “Evolution of Educational Theory”, described education as a bi-polar process. In this process, the teacher represents one pole and the student the other. The teacher’s personality influences the student’s personality to modify and develop it. The teacher is mainly concerned with giving knowledge and information to his students. Without the teacher’s initiative, the whole education process will be aimless, and without the student, the teacher’s duty will be meaningless.
Q. Explain education as a tri-polar process according to John Dewey.
Answer: John Dewey considered education as a tri-polar process. Along with the teacher and student, there is the society that makes education a success. The child is to live and develop in the community to which he belongs. The teacher designs, plans, executes, and evaluates students’ experiences in the light of social surroundings. The teacher should understand the child’s interests, capacities, aptitudes, limitations, etc., and act accordingly with those situations. The society determines the aims, contents, and methods of teaching.
Q. What is formal education?
Answer: Formal education is provided in an educational institution in an organized way. This education is consciously planned with a particular end in view. There are fixed courses of study, fixed timetables, and the period of courses. Qualified teachers are appointed to teach children. In every step of this education, formal rules, methods, and disciplines are maintained. Students’ evaluations are done on the basis of examinations. After passing the examination, certificates, degrees, and diplomas are awarded.
Q. What is informal education?
Answer: Informal education is more comprehensive than formal education. It is not pre-planned. It is the type of education that the child gets while moving and living in the community with other persons. It is casual and gained through daily experiences and activities. Agencies of this education are home, religious and social institutions, radio, newspaper, television, and the like. Formal rules, disciplines, and methods are not followed here. Evaluation is done by observing social adjustment only. No degree, diploma, or certificate is awarded at the end of such education. It starts at the very birth of a child and continues till death.
Q. Define non-formal education.
Answer: Non-formal education has developed as a result of the inadequacy of our present system of formal education. The concept of non-formal education was developed by the International Commission. It is organized and pre-planned but not strictly formal. It aims at all-round development of man. It is learner-dominated where all efforts are being made to make it easily available to the learner with the economy of time and effort. It is continuous and flexible, in the sense of entry and exit, re-entry and re-exit, curriculum, and maintenance of discipline. There is no strict control of the teacher, and it is open to all people of society, whether rich or poor, young or old. At the end of the course, students are given certificates and degrees on the basis of evaluation.
Q. What is the individual aim of education according to Sir Percy Nunn?
Answer: According to Sir Percy Nunn, “Individuality is the ideal of life”. Education should aim at developing the qualities and possibilities of a child into a distinct individuality. Each child is an individual distinctly different from others. The central aim of education is the free development of each individual child.
Q. What are the strengths of the individual aim of education?
Answer:
- Biologists say that the main aim of education should be to bring forth the dormant potentialities of the individual. Stress should be given to the development of the individual in accordance with his nature.
- Psychologists say that individuals differ basically so far as biological heredity and genetic qualities are concerned. The educational aim should not ignore the biological potential and limitations of individuals.
- Spiritualists view, “Let everyone be perfect in himself.” The aim of education is to develop the capacities of each individual to realize himself.
- Social development depends on individual development. Social achievements are made possible by great persons only.
Q. What are the weaknesses of the individual aim of education?
Answer:
- It gives importance to individual development and denies social development. In order to develop individual qualities, we need a society, and unless the society is developed, we cannot expect to have our own development.
- Individual aim generally emphasizes only biological heredity but denies social heredity, which is equally important.
- It makes a person selfish and economical because it emphasizes only the development of individual quality and not the development of society.
- Individual freedom advocated by this aim is not always very sound because if little children are given more freedom, they may misuse it and cause more harm.
- Society is considered a means to develop individuality. Family, school, and states are there in the society for promoting individual welfare only.
Q. What is the social aim of education according to John Dewey?
Answer: John Dewey, the chief advocate of social aim, emphasized that the development of society is of prime importance for the development of individuality. Through education, society can formulate its own progress, organize its means and courses, and shape itself in the direction it wishes to move. Dewey believes that the school is not a preparation for educational life; it is life itself. Education is a process of adjustment and must aim at helping to adjust a person to person, preparing a child to live as an effective member of society.
Q. What are the strengths of the social aim of education?
Answer:
- It makes “man” a human being. Man is an animal by instinct. It is the society that moulds him and makes him socialized and perfect.
- Society can formulate its own progress with the help of education.
- Education helps in the process of adjustment. It prepares a child to live as an effective member of society.
- Education prepares individuals to serve society. It should train them to conform to the ideals of the state.
Q. What are the weaknesses of the social aim of education?
Answer:
- As there is extreme control of the state, the needs, desires, and interests of the individual are ignored. In a democracy, it can be harmful where the ruling party can try to influence people with its own ideology.
- This aim does not give importance to individual differences. Individuals cannot develop equally even if the best kind of education is given to them.
- It reduces the individual to a non-entity.
- This aim does not give importance to the concept of self-realization. Society is not above the individuals. Here, individuals should be given the opportunities to develop critical thinking, power of observation, and logical reasoning. This cannot happen if the society imposes too many restrictions on the individual.
Q. How does John Dewey’s view synthesize the individual and social aims of education?
Answer: John Dewey, the chief exponent of social aim, was not indifferent to the individual aspects of education. He believed that education should aim at developing some social individuals. The present age is regarded as the age of synthesis in which all the diverse thoughts and ideals are harmonized. Individual and social aim should not be viewed separately. We should not emphasize individuality to the extent of ignoring the interest of society. Every individual develops in terms of his own nature, which is as truly social as self-regarding. Cut off from society, the individual cannot realize himself. Every human being is social by nature and capable of reaching his fullest development only in society. Percy Nunn also believed in the need for a social environment where individuals could develop their goodness.
Q. What is the vocational aim of education?
Answer: The vocational aim of education makes an individual self-sufficient in life, making him mentally and morally strong, satisfied, and self-confident. It is sometimes called the “Bread and butter aim” or “the Utilitarian aim”. This aim makes the state responsible for training its people to make them economically productive. Vocational efficiency and economic competence are the present needs of social reality. The state or the government should serve this need toward the social end. Every individual in a democracy has the right and duty to be performed toward society. Economic involvement of individuals may only make them useful, loyal, and disciplined citizens.
Q. What are the criticisms of the vocational aim of education?
Answer: Vocational aim of education is not a complete aim of education. It does not meet all the needs of human life. It gives more emphasis on the utilitarian aspect of life. Though education should encourage an individual to select a vocation in life, he cannot live by “bread and butter”. Man has to develop physically, intellectually, morally, and spiritually. If his education is reduced to vocational training alone, it will remain only a half way for complete living. An individual has to acquire, preserve, and protect the vast human culture, literature, and science, and contribute something to society. He must be conscious of his rights and obligations and must be able to understand and enjoy a richer and fuller life. Vocational education may produce doctors and engineers but not good men.
Q. What is the democratic aim of education according to John Dewey?
Answer: John Dewey said that education is a dynamic process to bring about the progress of all aspects of society—social, economic, political, and cultural. In a democracy, education must not only preserve cultural values but also bring about desirable changes in society and help the young pupil to adjust to the environment. It must develop four qualities in students: self-realization, human relations, economic efficiency, and civic responsibility. The primary aim of education is the creation of democratic personalities, where the members of the school community should be united by the democratic philosophy of life.
Q. How is education related to biology?
Answer: Education is closely related to biology. Both study man and environment. Biology studies the influence of heredity and environment on the development of the individual, while education studies the influence of both on the acquisition of knowledge. Education studies the physical, mental, and emotional development of an individual, whereas biology studies the physical development of an individual. Biology deals with the physical environment and its impact on living beings, while education deals with both physical and social environment and their impact on individuals. Biology makes a detailed study about the dietary habits of man, what type of food should be consumed by man to achieve proper nutrition, and why. Education also studies different types of food and their nutritional value.
Q. What is the relation between education and sociology?
Answer: Education is a broad concept referring to all the experiences in which learners can learn something. It is a social endeavor designed to get the maximum from the ability of every member of society. It involves both teaching and learning processes. It focuses on the development of intellectual skills and values. Sociology is the systematic study of society, encompassing all the elements of society, i.e., social relation, social stratification, social interaction, and culture. The relation between sociology and education has always been a subject of debate. One school says education is meant to overcome the inequalities of society, while the other says that the prime function of education is to promote the equilibrium status of society.
Q. How does philosophy relate to education?
Answer: Philosophy and education are closely related. Philosophy lays down the principles and directions for molding the behavior of an individual, and education aims at molding the behavior of an individual, thereby making him perfect. Philosophy lays down ideals, values, and principles of life, while education works out those ideals, values, and principles. Philosophy formulates methods, and education processes it. Philosophy and education are nothing but the two sides of the same coin (Ross). Fichte has said that the art of education is incomplete without the help of philosophy. Every great philosopher has said something on education. Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Gandhiji, and Rabindranath Tagore are known for their philosophical and educational ideas.
Q. How is education related to economics?
Answer: Education and economics are closely related. Education makes a country economically rich. For example, Japan is a very rich country because 100% of its population is educated. The vocational aim of education says that children are to bear future economic responsibility. To fulfill the basic needs of life, education should enable the child to earn his bread when he is grown up. This aim is called the “Bread and butter aim” or the “Utilitarian aim”. Economics teaches man to be a better producer for both his personal benefit and his country’s benefit. This end can be achieved by education only. Education teaches self-realization and gives self-satisfaction, which is not possible without a good economic life of an individual.
30. Describe the relationship between education and statistics.
Answer: Statistics deals with the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Some analytical methods and means are used for giving diagrammatic and graphical representations of available data. Education helps in the entire process from collection of primary data to its final presentation in its diagrammatic form, which helps in instant understanding of any problem or issue and providing remedial measures. Statistics is used in every field, such as economics, agriculture, psychology, etc. It helps in the vivid presentation of a factual situation and its easy understanding and interpretation. Education plays a vital role in the entire process.
