What is the Ultimate Purpose of Education?

The ultimate purpose of education is to help students gain the required knowledge and skills so that they will be able to function in society. Students need to be provided with the necessary skills so that they can learn to become productive citizens. There are many advantages that are associated with receiving an education. Students will be able to contribute to their community and help make it a better place. Education helps shape society because it helps students learn to become more sociable and helps them develop relationships with their peers.

Students will be more qualified for different job positions if they have a decent solid education. Education is vital to each student’s life, therefore, by working hard to provide the best instruction possible will help train students to become future leaders and will lead to a better life. Every student deserves to be educated in a positive environment where they feel safe, comfortable, motivated and engaged in their learning.

Get quality help now

Marrie pro writer

Verified writer

Proficient in: Education

5 (204)

“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Perhaps the most important skill of being an educational leader is believing in your students and the power of education. If you don’t believe in your students then everyone is destined for failure. It’s vital to believe in what your school is trying to accomplish, convey your enthusiasm for change, express your own motivation to make things better, and show confidence in those around you. There are three major principles that the education system should possess; the classroom should fit student’s abilities, the teachers should not always follow the curriculum, this argument is encouraged by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Secondly teachers should be more compassionate with students, this idea is reinforced by bell hooks. Most importantly, learning environments, whether classrooms or schools should be structured to promote engaged teaching and learning, this notion is strongly advocated by American philosopher John Dewey.

My first principle is the classroom should be based on the student’s abilities. Teaching students with various learning abilities involves creativity, time and a desire to understand how a student learns best. With the right tools, teachers can reach each of their students no matter how different the styles of learning may be. No student is exclusively one style and most utilize a variety of style when learning. It is important to expand student abilities and to use as many learning technique as possible which will help them to succeed in the world. This principle is linked to author Jean-Jacques Rousseau, In Emile, or On Education he states that “Able to do more by themselves, they need to have resources in learning environments” (p.135). In other words Rousseau believes that in order for students to be educated they need to have a classroom with resources that fits the student’s albites to become a successful learner in society. This connects back my principle that the classroom should be based on the student’s abilities, making it clear that it is vital for educators to understand the differences in their students’ learning styles, so that they can implement best practice strategies into their daily activities, curriculum and assessments.

Students have different interests, personalities and attention spans so ensuring everyone in the classroom is engaged is not an easy task. It’s therefore important to try a variety of techniques to see what works for a class. This notion of individualized learning styles has gained widespread recognition in education theory and classroom management strategy. Individual learning styles depend on cognitive, emotional and environmental factors, as well as one’s prior experience. To put it simply, every student is different and the classroom should be structured to promote learning through the students abilities.

Others may say that there is one teachers and approximately thirty learners in a classroom. If the student’s needs are not met in classrooms, they will not be able to become successful learns affecting the student’s educational development to spiral out of control. Teachers need to know where kids are in their academic journey, how they learn best, and what interests them in order to create a classroom where the student’s abilities are being met. When creating tests, include different question types that might address student’s preferences, multiple choice, short answer, timelines, matching, true or false, graphic organizers to label, and sentences that are partly completed. Find readings that are adjusted for high, medium, or low levels. During the curriculum process, teachers should consider how they can incorporate student choice into classroom learning. Teachers can help students connect to an individualized plan that reflects a career interest. Plan based learning is a active option that teachers must plan in advance, during the curriculum process. This hands on method engages students in a practical project that brings alive the classroom curriculum. Providing a wide variety of learning options speaks to the needs of all students and enhances learning potential. Teachers should use the curriculum process to plan and coordinate student choice options.

Curriculum is content, but when revised, it comes alive for students. The role of teachers in the curriculum process is to help students develop an engaged relationship with the content. Active learning will increase the focus of the curriculum, resulting in an exciting learning environment. Teachers who build lessons that include simulations, experiments, case studies and activities to deliver curriculum results in their students becoming successful. This interactive approach intertwines curriculum and practical experiences that immerse students in learning. The curriculum should provide opportunity for teachers to be creative and put their unique stamp on the classroom experience resulting in their students to bloom academically.

My second principle is teachers should be more compassionate with students. A teacher can make a difference in a student’s life by being compassionate. Teaching is a very humanistic profession, and compassion should play a big role in education. A compassionate teacher models that characteristic to students with her or his actions, and as a result students will be more open to understanding the world around them. Teachers should model compassion by complimenting students on their successes, inquiring about their day or their weekend activities, and addressing all bullying behaviors consistently. Ultimately, the goal is for children to be happier, kinder, and healthier. A child treated kindly, will become a kind adult. It is about teaching children with compassion and it is the most powerful avenue for building their sense of worth, belonging and purpose. The author bell hooks strongly relates to this principle in Engaged Pedagogy she states that “to teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin”(p.325).

In other words hooks believes that a teachers who show compassion and care from the start is fundamentally important in the learning process which will help strengthen the students desire for education and school. This idea is links with the principle that teachers should be compassionate with students, resulting in students becoming thriving learners in society. hooks advocates that teachers who embrace the challenge of realizing one's full potential will be better able to create pedagogical practices that engage students, providing them with ways of knowing that enhance their capacity to live fully and deeply. The benefits of compassion in education include building positive classroom culture, strengthening community, and preparing students to be leaders in communities. Given that the definition of compassion involves understanding another's feelings without having experience, compassion sets students up to deepen relationships with their current classmates and people that they know outside of school. In our increasingly globalized world, these people may be coming from different cultures and different backgrounds thereby necessitating better developed of compassion skills. As children learn compassion skills by communicating with their classmates, those skills will transfer to their lives. The deeper relationships that result from strong compassion skills have the potential to strengthen a community and build trust. The effects of compassion extend far beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Some may say that it is not a teacher’s duty to be compassionate, they’re just there to educate their fellow students and that some students can take compassion as an advantage. To show compassion to students is to take the time and effort to understand their perspective, while continuing to make choices that are best for their learning experience. Students must be able to relate to who they are led by in order to make them feel valued. This validation will strengthen trust between the leader and follower. Teachers must equip students to be the future leaders of our communities and beyond. In well run classrooms where social skills are valued, teachers set guidelines and rules about how students are to interact with their peers because they know that their students learn best when they have positive relationships with those around them.

Developing positive relationships requires compassion skills like listening to others and learning to understand, and appreciate the differences in others. Students bring their lives into the classroom, they do not leave their problems and feelings at the door, and when classmates do not have the skills to understand and work with their diverse classmates problems can rise. It is the educator’s job to teach compassion to students because it cannot be assumed that these skills are being addressed at home. Teachers must take this into account as they work together with their students to build knowledge. As classrooms become more diverse students can no longer expect to meet peers who eat the same food, practice the same religion, or hold the same beliefs as they do. Students deserve more from their education, rich enjoyment of life, and the ability to connect and build meaningful relationships with others, Compassion is undoubtedly an important life skill. As a part of classroom management, compassion can enhance the effectiveness of any strategies you would normally put in place. Compassion gives students an opportunity to trust the teacher’s choices and have faith in the requests you make of them. Building compassion in the classroom is vital for students, and should be part of teacher training and ongoing professional development. Without compassion, many students can fall through the cracks. Teachers need to show they care and are paying attention through displaying compassion in classrooms.

My third principle is learning environments, whether classrooms or schools should be structured to promote engaged teaching and learning. The ability to challenge student's thinking as well as keeping students connected is an art form. Experiences that spark their natural curiosity, inspire their efforts, grasp their concentration, give them purpose, build their confidence, drive them to collaborate and connect them with others and with the world. Engaged students in the learning process increases their attention, focus and motivates them to become successful students. The author John Dewey strongly notion this principle, in Criteria of Experience he states that “It is the teacher's business to be on the alert to see what approaches and routine tendencies should be created” (p.196).Dewey is stating that it is the teacher business to generate a learning setting to promote engaged teaching and learning. Dewey saw learning by doing and development of practical life skills as crucial to children's education. Providing an environment that incorporates several learning styles will help students to stay engaged, excited, and ready to learn. Instructors who adopt a student centered approach to instruction increase opportunities for student engagement, which then helps everyone more successfully achieve the course’s learning goals.

On the other hand some may argue and say engaged teaching and learning in a classroom can cause distractions resulting in the students not paying attention. Every child learns differently, it is the teachers job to uses multiple methods of tactics to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress and the learner's decision making. Some prefer looking at photos, others like to listen, and some like to move around. That’s why it’s important for educators to understand the importance of engaged learning and different teaching styles to benefit all of their students. Selecting a style that addresses the needs of students at different learning levels begins with a personal a self-evaluation of the teacher’s strengths. As they develop their teaching styles and incorporate them with effective classroom management skills, teachers will learn what works best for their personalities and curriculum.

Classroom physical environments can influence the way students behave. The physical arrangement and features of the classroom environment, such as seating arrangements, lighting, and organization, can influence student’s behavior and attention to academic tasks. Teachers can do this by using technology. Instead of lecturing and having students take notes, use a smartboard and have students come up to the board and interact. Instead of giving students a quiz on paper, use a computer or a tablet. As an alternative of having students work on a project together, have them video conference with another class from another state and work with them on the project. Utilizing technology in your classroom promotes engaged teaching and learning and students will be interested and engaged in what they are learning.

In conclusion as an educator, I will work diligently to guide and help prepare lifelong learners so that they can choose their future decisions wisely. I believe that all students have the ability to learn with assistance. The main purpose of education is to help educate students so that they will be able to function in society and be able to think critically to solve problems they may have throughout their lives. Good effective teacher who cares about his or her will result in everything else falling into place such as them growing up and taking charge of their own life. Students are with each teacher for one year before moving to the next grade but that one year can lead to so many accomplishments and memories that the student will carry on throughout their lifetime. A classroom should be based on the student’s abilities, Effective teachers personalize the learning for their students. They understand that students develop at different rates and that in every classroom there will be a range of student abilities. Teachers accommodate the different needs of students in their class.

Also learning environments, whether classrooms or schools should be structured to promote engaged teaching and learning. Successful teachers use techniques that have each student working on tasks that engage and challenge them to achieve their personal best. Most importantly teachers should model compassion and acts of compassion on a daily. It is compassion that spark a student’s curiosity, inspire their efforts and drive them to collaborate and connect them with others in the world. As a future teachers I want my students up to be good citizens and future leaders. The sky is the limit if you believe, work hard and put your mind to it you can achieve anything and I need my students to know their capable of achieving anything they put their mind to. Education is the passport to the future for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.