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The concept of education has become a marketing niche in the present world. In the name of progress, the whole concept of education is misinterpreted and constrained into a small term of schooling.

Is attending school and college the only full-length concept of education? Let’s plunge into the various concepts of education constructed in its evolution.

What is the meaning of Education?  

Education /EdyUkAYshUHn/ refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and a sense of reasoning through various forms of learning. While these forms of learning may differ among individuals (such as formal, informal, or non-formal education), education enhances the development of a person’s intellectual, and social abilities, encouraging them to think critically and communicate effectively with others in society.

At the root of the term, Education is as deceptive as the concept of education. Education is derived from the Latin words Educare and Educatum. The former means to bring up and the latter denotes the art of teaching and training.

Thus, in simple terms, education can be defined as a method or practice that aims at teaching an individual a new skill or new principles and aims at enabling them to realize their complete potential through interpersonal and societal development. Furthermore, this sharpens the minds and builds moral principles in the individual.

What is the Concept of Education? 

To summarize, the concept of education is the art of teaching and training individuals about newer skills and values and helping them develop critical thinking skills. Unfortunately, the present education scenario is no more focused on the aim of empowering an individual and cultivating moral values in him/her.

The modern society we live in has reduced the concept of education to a narrow pathway towards success and a sophisticated life. Instead of a process, today it has become an object. The object used by educational institutions to gulp money and undeniably by the learners to secure a wealthy living.

The Indian Concept of Education   

The Indian concept of Education is a tri-polar process. It involves the educator, educand and social factors that aid in shaping both the educand and the educator. In India, spirituality poses a model for the concept of education. Education is the development of the mind for the betterment of society and the individual. It is the process of self-realization. It creates selfless individuals in society.

The Western Concept of Education   

The Western concept views education as a tool to magnify one’s ability to reason and make sensible judgements. It is the creation of a sound mind and sound body. It invigorates man’s innate powers.

The Modern Concept of Education   

The modern concept of education takes us immediately to the word ‘Technology’. However, it is not always about technology. E-learning is one of the many aspects of modern education. Incorporating technologies like Google Classroom, Youtube, projectors, and smart classes cannot justify modern learning.

Technology brings with it, its defects. The modern concept, in no way, promotes the growth of education. Rather, it injects the use of technology into the education system. This injection has its benefits as well as side effects.

The introduction of technology to education through this modern concept has provided the education system with a huge head start and has opened new horizons for students. However, this omnipresence of technology has made students more prone to a lack of concentration.

To uphold the truest sense of the term, the modern concept should study the entire concept of education, look through its shortcomings and bring better change in possible ways to increase productivity to run effectively. It should glance through history and rectify the shortcomings for a better tomorrow.

Forms of Learning: A Look at the different concepts of Education   

While speaking about the idea and the abstract behind the learning infrastructure, it is highly important to state the various forms of learning. Learning can be summed up into three forms.

The three forms of learning are:

1. Formal Learning
2. Informal Learning
3. Non-Formal Learning

Formal Education  

Formal learning is achieved through a formulated structure. It is also called structured learning or synchronous learning. It is what we call schooling now. This educational method includes teaching, training and research.

The learners play a passive role in this learning. The presence of reinforcement and punishment makes this learning compelling and tedious. More than gaining knowledge and expanding one’s interest, more seriousness is given towards completing the learning process to progress in life. This approach does more good than harm to the minds of the students.

Informal Education  

Informal learning is the process of learning in the absence of any educational medium. It is the unconscious way of acquiring knowledge through experience with the support of the environment.

This is how children learn to speak their mother tongue. It does not include any punishment or reinforcement. It is learning in sameness with nature. It is completely incidental. The conception of learning cannot and should not be planned all the time.

Non-Formal Education  

The non-formal education is contrary to the formal education. It is not structured. Learning acquired through community services, fitness clubs, sports clubs, swimming classes and a myriad of other online courses come under this form of education.

It happens without any compulsion and with increased participation. The learner plays a seminal role in this education methodology. Thus, this type of education can be the best alternative to formal education.

Education – The truest sense of the term  

By now, we can agree that education is an abstract idea. There is no definitive approach or path to imbibe this idea. It differs in each individual as to how they can assimilate learning.

Education, in its truest sense, can be expressed as follows:

1. Education is thriving in everyone’s truth with shared experience and knowledge.
2. Education is the cultivation of good and virtuous life.
3. Education is flourishing our potential to reach the maximum limit.
4. Education is the technique of owning, possessing and controlling ourselves.

Education as a social process  

The entire concept of education concentrates on the social process. The wider the reach, the better the results. Education should not take place as a bipolar process. Rather, it should be more of a barter system wherein everyone learns something from the other and in return teaches the other something.

Education should be a form of reflecting the social and cultural background of society in a civilized manner. The self-centred objective of society should change to the unification of society. Schools should flourish a relationship with society. In cooperation with society, schools should strengthen their goals and promote moral and ethical education.

Education to Edutainment   

Edutainment is the classical collaboration of education with entertainment. Not only does this combo lead to greater participation among the students but also prevents learning from becoming monotonous.  

There are a few ways to implement edutainment. For instance, the classroom must be made lively. Teachers should replace the impotent teaching methods and propagate the active participation of the learners. The usage of technology, with restrictions, is appreciable in this process.

Role of Educators   

Learning is successful only when it is facilitated through the right mentors and teachers. Playing this exclusive role of building many lives, teachers should take in with them some productive qualities.

The educators must be well informed as the learners view them as the abode of knowledge and wisdom. Educators, be they men or women should believe in what they teach while giving prominence to the beliefs of the students.

They should break away from their hierarchical circle and prepare their minds to learn with and from the students. Teachers should be sincere, respectful and easily approachable towards their students.

Conclusion   

“Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their mind”  ~ Plato

On the whole, the ideal concept of education is not learning for a living. It is the realization of who we are and what we want in life. It is the awareness of oneself and the society.

Each one of us is unique. Each one of us is gifted with distinctive powers. Education is the tool to exercise those powers to the fullest for the betterment of the individual and society.

Frequently asked questions 

1. What is the concept and importance of education?

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, and skills and developing a sense of reasoning through various forms of learning. Here’s a look at the importance of education in an individual’s life:

• Better career opportunities: Education aids individuals to acquire the necessary knowledge and skillset to pursue their desired careers and achieve success in their personal and professional lives.
• Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities: With proper guidance through education, people can master critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, thus enabling them to make informed decisions and solve complex problems in real life.
• Boosts personal growth and development: Besides career and societal benefits, proper learning through education fosters personal development and helps individuals build expertise in particular subjects so that they can contribute positively to society.
• Reduces poverty and inequality in society: Education is a powerful tool for unifying society and reducing inequality, poverty and social exclusion. It provides the weaker, alienated sections of society with the skillset and resources to improve their lives as well as those around them.

2. What is the concept of education and learning?

The concept of education and learning are conceptually similar but are somewhat different. Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, and skills and developing a sense of reasoning through various forms of learning that basically include the typical institutional methods such as schools, colleges, or universities.

On the other hand, learning is a broader concept encompassing the process by which an individual acquires new knowledge or skills, i.e. educates him/herself, be it via institutional methods or through real-life experiences such as reading, observation, hands-on experience, and social interaction.

3. What is the main concept of education?

The main concept of education is to empower individuals with newer skills and values and help them develop critical thinking and reasoning skills via various methods of learning such as formal, informal, and non-formal learning.

4. What is the concept of education B.Ed?

The concept of education is the art of teaching and training individuals about newer skills and values and helping them develop critical thinking skills. It also enhances the development of the individual’s intellectual, and social abilities, encouraging them to think critically and communicate effectively with others in society.

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