What is Education-Always?

Education is not only cognitive and intellectual learning, and learning of skills and work-related competences. It is much broader to include moral and ethical issues, values, attitudes, religion, spiritualism, art and more. It is, indeed, important to focus on this when education in schools and universities has become a large “industry” and when the world, instead of becoming more peaceful, seems to be more confrontational than before.

Besides, we do know how to create positive educational content and learning situations so that peace and tolerance can prevail. Sadly, we don’t always do what we know is right and best. After the Malala Yousafzai tragedy, and the continuous drone attacks, wars and armed conflicts, affecting innocent people, we are yet again reminded that we must focus more on positive and peaceful learning.

Learning and socialisation take place in schools, but also in the society outside, in the home, with peers and friends, in the community, in front of TV and computer screens, and when we use social media. As a matter of fact, much of our general knowledge and life skills, and most values and attitudes are learnt outside the classroom. The power of peers and role models is immense because we all want to conform and be accepted amongst those we like most. Yet, the youth also question issues, are inquisitive and in opposition to adults and carriers of old truths. If the youth have support from parents, teachers and others they can develop their own independent and alternative thinking and ideas, and they can focus on things that are not commonly done in their community.