Unit - I

Chapter 1 - Education : Meaning, Concept, Nature and Aims

Question- Give narrow and broad meaning of education and explain what is education?

Or
What do you understand by education? Write the definitions of education and its characteristics.
Or
Define education. Which of the definitions you have known so far do you think is the most acceptable and why?

Related Short Answer - Questions
What do you understand by education?
Or
Give the literal meaning of education.
Or
Explaining the meaning of education, define it in your own words.

Answer -

Introduction

Education has a unique importance in human life. In the absence of education, it will be impossible to be called human. In the complete absence of education, man can remain only animal. Only by getting education, a person becomes a social human. On the basis of education, a distinction is made between civilized and uncivilized person. Education is closely related to human life. It is a very important and complex process of human life. Education is a complex and comprehensive process, which continues throughout life. It is through education that a person converts his immaturity into maturity, barbarism into civilization and animalism into humanity, intellectual and spiritual powers and abilities develop.

This fact has been propounded by the famous western philosopher Locke in these words: "The growth of plants is done by farming and human beings through education. Education is in the form of a special food item for human beings, through which the process of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development of man goes on in some form or the other. In fact, only after birth, the process of education starts in some form or the other. At the time of birth, the child is inexperienced and after that gradually he starts getting acquainted with different experiences. The experiences of the child start changing and improving respectively. This process of education is not only in childhood, but it continues throughout life in some form or the other. Education plays an important role in making human life beautiful, systematic, refined and strong.

Meaning of Education

Education is a comprehensive and complex process. So, it is natural that its meaning will also be wide and controversial. Different scholars and educationists have propounded the meaning of education in their own way. Scholars have determined its meaning keeping in mind any one-sided form of education. To know the real meaning of education, it would be inauspicious to know its literal meaning, prevalent meaning, broad and narrow meaning.

1.  

   The Prevalent Meaning of Education: In today's civilized human society, the word 'education' is generally familiar to all. But that introduction does not come from the classical or scientific meaning of education, but only with the prevalent meaning. According to the prevalent meaning, collecting facts and information related to a subject is called education only. In this sense, education is to know, and collect the necessary information in any way – right or wrong. This meaning did not accept the importance of internal development. Therefore, this is neither the real meaning of education nor is it a complete introduction to education. Criticizing this meaning, it has been said 'Education is about development from within and not doubt from outside. It is due to the action of natural instincts and interests and not as a reaction to external forces.'

2. Literal Meaning of Education: To discuss the meaning of any suffix or scripture, its literal meaning is also meaningful and important. Meaning of Education in Hindi and in English are synonyms. So to know the literal meaning of education, it will be necessary to know the etiological meaning of these defects.
   The word 'education' prevalent in Hindi language is basically made of Sanskrit language's education root. In Sanskrit, this word is used to receive or acquire knowledge. Keeping this literal meaning in mind, it can be said that education means the process through which knowledge is acquired. Many scholars have accepted this meaning of education.
   The English synonym of education is 'Education'. The word is derived from the Latin word Educatum. Which means bringing out the inherent strengths and inequalities. On this basis, it can be said that Education is the process through which the inherent powers or qualities of the person concerned develop and blossom. It is necessary to make it clear here that education in this sense is a pervasive concept. It is not limited to institutional education.

3. Comprehensive Meaning of Education: Apart from the narrow meaning of education, it is necessary to know its broad meaning also. In a broad sense, education is a very comprehensive and complex process, which is a medium for acquiring knowledge. In this sense, education continues throughout life and the whole world is the field to receive education. The interpretation of this meaning was given by the famous educationist J.S. Mackenzie who has put it in these words - “Education in the broad sense is a process which continues throughout life and almost every experience of life adds to its stock.” In this sense, the school is not the only centre of education. In the broad sense, only the teacher is not the teacher. In this sense, from whomever one learns something new, he is the teacher. In this sense, our environment is also our teacher, that is, the giver of knowledge. In the broadest sense, education is all the impact that one has on a person throughout his life. In this subject, Prof. Dumville has said, "All the effects that affect the person from birth to death are included in the broader sense of education." In the broad sense, the purpose of education is not to obtain certificates. In this sense the purpose of education is also comprehensive. The aim of education is the all-round development of the personality of a person. Adler has presented this form of education in these words, "Education is an activity related to the whole life of man. It is not only related to small children; it starts from birth and continues till death."
   Real education is concerned with the education of the all-round development of life. This education itself is an end in itself.

4. Narrow Meaning of Education: Keeping in mind the generality of the process of Education, a narrow meaning of the teacher has also been rendered. Education in a narrow sense is the knowledge acquired in an institution. In this sense, taking admission in school or attending school regularly and passing various examinations is just education. This type of education starts only when the child gets regular admission in the institute. Along with this, it is also clear that this type of education is limited to the end of student life and leaving school. Along with leaving school, the process of education also stops. On this basis, that person will be called illiterate, who has not taken regular education in any educational institution. In this sense, education is merely the study of a prescribed curriculum. In this sense, the aim of education is to acquire a degree or certificate. In the present Indian environment, the importance of such education and certificates is being accepted to get a job etc. But if seen in a neutral way, then this assumption seems to be justified.
   The definition of education in its own words can be given as follows:
   “Education is such a process, which starts from the time of the child’s birth and continues till the time of his death and till the time of his death, he keeps on learning something from it. Thus, it is clear that education is a continuous activity which continues throughout the life of the child.

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