Group Collaborative Reflection
“Is the purpose of childhood education to mould children to fit into society’s norms?”
1. Philosophical Question: Justification of Development
During our Community of Inquiry (COI) ideas were discussed around the concept of “why do we educate people?” The question was then asked, “Is education a tool used by society to mould children?”
The group gravitated toward the word “mould” when describing education. This was aroused by theorist John Locke’s idea that education is something that is “done to” children. (Johnson & Reed, 2008) The group sought the definition of this word, which by the Oxford Universities dictionary is defined as “influence the formation or development of”. (Oxford Dictionaries, 2013)
Following our COI it was agreed that the present curriculum is designed to “mould” a final educational outcome in children which would then encourage an occupation and contribution as an adult that reflects society’s norms. This line of thought was in response to the mutual feelings and frustrations about education not meeting or addressing the individuality of children.
Reflecting on the statement made by Locke that “Education is something that adults do to children, As such the educative process is, at heart, hierarchical, with authority residing in the hands of the adult” (Johnson & Reed, 2008, p.66) The group felt that Locke’s theories found rather than forming a curriculum around a child 's individual interests, society has shaped the curriculum to mould the child to fit a purpose in society. This theory is also echoed in another statement by Locke; “The well educating of their children is so much the duty and concern of parents, and the welfare and prosperity of the nation so much depends on it.” (Johnson & Reed, 2008, p.67)
Through investigating theorists such at Locke and Rousseau it was found that they both had similar viewpoints to the question posed, relating to education and societies influence on it. Locke emphasised that the idea
1. Philosophical Question: Justification of Development
During our Community of Inquiry (COI) ideas were discussed around the concept of “why do we educate people?” The question was then asked, “Is education a tool used by society to mould children?”
The group gravitated toward the word “mould” when describing education. This was aroused by theorist John Locke’s idea that education is something that is “done to” children. (Johnson & Reed, 2008) The group sought the definition of this word, which by the Oxford Universities dictionary is defined as “influence the formation or development of”. (Oxford Dictionaries, 2013)
Following our COI it was agreed that the present curriculum is designed to “mould” a final educational outcome in children which would then encourage an occupation and contribution as an adult that reflects society’s norms. This line of thought was in response to the mutual feelings and frustrations about education not meeting or addressing the individuality of children.
Reflecting on the statement made by Locke that “Education is something that adults do to children, As such the educative process is, at heart, hierarchical, with authority residing in the hands of the adult” (Johnson & Reed, 2008, p.66) The group felt that Locke’s theories found rather than forming a curriculum around a child 's individual interests, society has shaped the curriculum to mould the child to fit a purpose in society. This theory is also echoed in another statement by Locke; “The well educating of their children is so much the duty and concern of parents, and the welfare and prosperity of the nation so much depends on it.” (Johnson & Reed, 2008, p.67)
Through investigating theorists such at Locke and Rousseau it was found that they both had similar viewpoints to the question posed, relating to education and societies influence on it. Locke emphasised that the idea
References: Lewis, M. (Ed.). (2012). Perspectives in education. Sydney: Pearson Australia. Johnson, T.W., & Reed, R.F. (2008). Philosophical Documents in Education (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc Gutek, G.L. (2001). Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Education: Selected Readings. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc Living Sustainably. (2009). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 4-21. Retrieved August 1, 2013 from http://www.environment.gov.au/education/publications/pubs/national-action-plan.pdf "mould". Oxford Dictionaries. Oxford University Press. http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/mould. Retrieved August 11, 2013 from http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/mould?q=Mould