One of the most problematic words used in education is give. As in we must give education to the poor. When talking of pedagogy, teachers often say, teaching method depends on what you want to give children (as in the learning objective to focus on). We receive education or impart it. As if it is something readymade in us of which we part with a little, out of generosity towards the recipient. The bigger issue, though, is that it renders education a privilege, putting the giver on a pedestal, the recipient in the position of dependant. All the givers tend to feel that the dependents have to earn what they are being given, by attending daily, by doing homework, by investing money and effort, and of course holding the givers in high regard (isnt it gurus who remind us always to respect our gurus?). Is it any wonder were not able to understand the concept of the RIGHT to education, or put into practice a pedagogy that sees children as developing their own understanding (rather than receiving it ready-made). Weird as it might sound, this word give presents before us the educational challenge of the century. Spending 6% of GDP, or focusing on outcomes or institutional reforms or improvements in teacher education or whatever else will not really change the situation unless this is addressed, and education is no more given to children, but a given in the sense that they can take it for granted.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 14:06:06 +0000
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