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Meaning and aims of education: Class 9 Education
What education means, its formal, informal and non-formal forms, the aims of education, and the agencies that carry it out.
Key points
Education is the process by which a person gains knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. It is not limited to books and classrooms. It begins at birth and continues through life, which is why people say that education is a lifelong process.
Education is of three kinds:
- Formal education is given in schools, colleges and universities through a planned syllabus, fixed timetable, teachers and examinations.
- Informal education is gained from daily life, without a plan or a teacher, for example by learning language and manners from the family.
- Non-formal education is organised learning outside the regular school system, such as adult literacy centres and short skill courses.
Aims of education:
- Individual aim: to develop the personality, talents and abilities of each learner.
- Social aim: to prepare people to live and work well with others and to take part in society.
- Vocational aim: to give skills that help a person earn a living.
- Moral and spiritual aim: to build good character, honesty and faith.
- National aim: to create loyal and responsible citizens who serve the country.
In Islam the purpose of education is to know Allah, to follow His guidance and to become a useful member of society. The first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) began with the word Iqra, which means read, and it shows the importance of learning.
Agencies of education are the places and groups that educate:
- The home is the first school. Parents teach language, habits and values.
- The school gives planned teaching and trains the mind.
- The mosque teaches religious knowledge and builds discipline and community feeling.
- The community and the peer group teach social behaviour.
- Mass media such as radio, television, newspapers and the internet give information and shape opinions.
A teacher plays a central role. A good teacher not only gives information but also guides, motivates and sets an example for the students.
Study tip: For a question on aims, write the name of the aim and one sentence of explanation for each. Do not only list names.
Definitions and flashcards
Say the meaning first, then open the card to check.
Education
The process of gaining knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.
Formal education
Planned education given in schools and colleges.
Informal education
Learning from daily life without a plan or a teacher.
Non-formal education
Organised learning outside the regular school system.
Aim of education
The purpose that education is meant to achieve.
Agency of education
A place or group that educates, such as the home or the school.
Lifelong learning
The idea that learning continues throughout life.
Short questions with model answers
These are the kind of questions asked for 2, 3 and 5 marks. Try each one before opening the answer.
Define education. (2 marks)
Education is the process of gaining knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, which develops a person and prepares him or her for life.
Differentiate between formal and informal education. (3 marks)
Formal education is planned and given in schools and colleges with a syllabus, a timetable and examinations. Informal education is learning from daily life, such as from the family and friends, without a plan or a teacher.
What is non-formal education? Give an example. (2 marks)
Non-formal education is organised learning outside the regular school system. An adult literacy centre is an example.
Write any three aims of education. (3 marks)
The individual aim is to develop a learner's personality and talents. The social aim is to prepare people to live and work with others. The vocational aim is to give skills to earn a living.
Why is the home called the first school? (3 marks)
A child spends the first years of life in the home. Parents teach language, manners, habits and values before the child goes to school, so the home lays the foundation of education.
Explain the role of mass media as an agency of education. (5 marks)
Mass media include television, radio, newspapers and the internet. They give information about current events, health, science and the world, and they can teach through programmes and educational channels. They also shape opinions and attitudes. Their influence can be good or harmful, so people, and especially young people, need guidance to choose reliable and useful content.
Common mistakes
- Treating education and schooling as the same thing. Education is wider than school.
- Mixing up informal and non-formal education.
- Listing agencies of education without saying what each one contributes.