The debate on the purpose of education has never stopped.  Proof of this is the ongoing discussion based on John Dewey and Robert Hutchins positions on education.  According to Dewey, education prepares people for a job. While Hutchins contends that education prepares people for life.  While both can be considered factual, its clarity may depend on how society views education.

 

However, our beliefs and principles have an impact on society on a scale we cannot imagine.  These beliefs serve in forming our values.  The values we earn are dictated by the forces of the society we live in.  We tend to adopt what society dictates.  Be it negative or positive, these values become the basis of our behavior.  And how we behave within the society presents consequences in our life.  And how we face these consequences will be based solely on the kind of education we receive.  Our life then depends on the education imparted to us.

 

When we consider that our teaching molds a pupil’s view of the world, we begin to understand how important our work as teachers is.  We become the molders of the pupils’ beliefs which mold their values as individuals.  And as teachers, it is always important that we know that our beliefs are based on truth because this will impact much on the lives of our pupils.

 

Therefore, while Dewey’s position on education becomes the purpose of our lifetime career, Hutchins’ belief can be considered as a parameter of how our lives are changed by education.

By: Rhodora E. Carlos | Teacher III | Bilolo Elementary School | Orion, Bataan