The role of Education in a benifical life.

 

What are the main goals of education.

The never ending stream of graduates from Australian University, particularly from the faculties of Economic and Commerce, should cause any casual observer to ask, what is the most important purpose of education? What is the goal? Unitarianism  seems to be destroying what should be the main focus of our education system, namely helping human kind to see clearly what they ought to be and how they ought to live. It often seems to me that the world is being overrun by all sorts of theorists with little practical experience of the real world.The world in which we live. I know all this sounds very idealistic, but a sound broad view of the world in which we live is vital for the future of humankind. In our increasingly technical civilization, we need an educational system to teach us the right way to live, along with the ability to earn a living. So I am not suggesting that practical skills are not important, but there now seems to be a total focus on what degrees offer the best monetary rewards. Far too many students shy away from science, mathematics engineering,  subjects perceived as not financially rewarding.

 The never ending convey belt of graduates from Universities, many without any life experience, few social graces, and often little training in lateral thinking should alarm us all. After all they are the alleged leaders of tomorrow. Like many people, I view the current global economic meltdown as theory based implemented by young guns with very limited understanding of the possible implications of their actions, that theory will always fit all. It seems that often common sense has deserted many of our decision makers. Personal gain and vested interests have overwhelmed logic. Whether we like it or not the world is finite. Practical ethical thinking seems to have deserted our economic thinkers. Sound business practise should travel hand in hand with social conscious.

 Unfortunately early education, primary and secondary schools are not in much better shape. Most children’s school reports tell a parent next to nothing other than Jonnie is somewhere in the middle and is making progress! There seems to be little time spent teaching children how to add up or spell, let alone their responsibilities to each other and society in general. But they all know their rights, if not their responsibilities. In this country I have experienced shop assistants who seem unable to add two simple numbers together, let alone address more complex problems. Everyone talks about the crises in education in Australia, but little seems to be done. You would think mobile phones, iPod’s and so on would be banned from the classroom until students have demonstrated an ability to solve basic problems. If Australia does not take good stock of itself its future look bleak ,it will not be benefiting from the so called Asian Century, but may find itself among the also ran. I am still waiting for a political party to appear before the coming election to put together a coherent policy , a plan for the country, that has imagination, ethics and sound economic sense. It is possible to embrace them all, but this requires leaders with vision, delectation, and selflessness, not self interest. No doubt I am asking for too much.