Education
is the architecture of the soul. Nelson Mandela said “Education is the most
powerful weapon we can use to change the world” However it is important how it
is spread and in what manner.
Change
in the role of educational institutions:
1) Due to commercialization of
education teaching has become a pure profession rather than a passion.
2) Success of a student is being
measured only in terms of ranks and grades which is resulting loss of values
such as integrity and discipline. Students are forced to adopt any means-moral
or immoral to achieve good grades. For example, Bihar board examinations where
mass copying was done.
3) It has also caused increased
stress in the minds of students which has resulted in unfortunate events like
ending the life of another student just to avoid an exam i.e. Gurugram school
incident.
Implications:
On Self: Loss of self-worth and
confidence. Bad attributes like greed, jealousy, revenge, violence are
cultivated as a result. Though one can be a successful lawyer, engineer or a
doctor but one will remain as ethical dwarf without values.
On Society: School is a building with
four walls with a brighter tomorrow inside. If schools fail to inculcate
values, then future generation may be influenced by societal evils. Increase in
intolerance, radicalization, gender discrimination and crime may be seen.Trust
in the educational institutions is lost.
Role of educational institutions in
value education:
1) Education in its aims, curriculum
and methods is linked with values. It is through education that society seeks
to preserve and promote its cherished values.
2) Whatever is learnt and imbibed
will determine to how students will live out their lives in future.
3) Educational institutions provide a
structured environment where children learn values of cooperation, hard work
etc.
4) Punctuality, Commitment,
Sincerity, Sharing, Caring, Fairness, Helping, Independence, Responsibility,
Humility, Pride need to be inculcated in a child.
5) Lessons of Honesty, Social
Justice, Sensitising children with empathy towards vulnerable sections of the
society.
6) Teaching Gender Equality, Respect
for elders, Truthfulness, Tolerance, Peace, Love for nature & mankind,
Positive Attitude, Spirituality, Nationalist feelings, Patriotism, Discipline
etc.
“The
aim of education is the knowledge, not facts but of values.” –William Ralph.
Schools and colleges must ensure that strong value system is in place right
from the childhood through timely ethical education. Value education is the
first step for a peaceful and happy society.