In today’s situation, no nation can think of social or economic development without an abundant supply of highly educated and skilled people. The issue of function and objectives of education is of utmost importance because all other aspects of education, like the content (subject matter), method (of teaching and instruction), discipline and evaluation are integrated with it.
Most of the functions of education become clear to us through various definitions given above.
Havighurst and Neugarten have given two important functions of education system:
1. A mirror that reflects society as it is or to be stabilizer of the society.
2. An agent of social change or a force directed towards implementing the ideas of society.
George Payne, a sociologist, has given three main functions:
1. Assimilation of traditions
2. Development of new social patterns
3. Creative and constructive role
Emile Durkheim established ideas on transmission of society’s norms and values as the major function of society. He also acknowledged education as a training for specialized roles including adopting some occupation for livelihood. Education is required to perform the function of cultural transmission and enrichment, acceptance and reformulation, change and reconstruction. The process why the young generation learns the traditional ways of society is called enculturation and it differs from society to society. Through education, enculturation is formalized.
Acculturation is a process through which a person or group from one culture comes to adopt the practices and values of another culture, while still retaining their own distinct culture. This concept has become important in an increasingly globalized society.
Factors determining Educational Aims:
Education is mostly a planned and purposeful activity.
Educational aims are necessary in giving direction to unique activities which are determined by the following factors.
1. Philosophy: Philosophy and education are the two sides of a coin. Philosophy is the main factor that determines the aim of education. Education is termed to be the best means for propagation of philosophy.
2. Human nature: It is closely linked with philosophy. For example, idealists regard unfolding of the divine in man as the aim of education.
3. Socio-cultural factors and problems: Education has to preserve and transmit the cultural heritage and traditions from one generation to another.
4. Religious factors: In ancient India, Buddhism emphasized the inculcation of the ideals of religion, such as ahimsa and truth into the prevailing educational system.
5. Political ideologies: The educational aims of a democratic political system can be quite different from that of an autocratic political set up.
6. Exploration of knowledge: Knowledge is must for good interpersonal relationships, healthy adjustment in life, modification of behaviour, selfawareness and for social growth, it is also a source of happiness.
7. Vocational: Education should prepare the child to earn his livelihood and make him self-sufficient and efficient in both economic and social factors.
8. Self-actualization and total development: Education should help a person to become what he has to become according to his or her individual potentials.
The education aims at total development of an individual and it includes physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual developments.
9. Harmonious development: Mahatma Gandhi emphasized this aim of education very much when he said ‘By education, we mean an all round drawing out of the best in child and man-body, mind and spirit’.
10. Moral and character development: Some educationalists consider these as the supreme aim of education.
Herbert Spencer emphasized that education must enable the child to cultivate moral values and virtues, such as truthfulness, goodness, purity, courage, reverence and honesty.
11. Citizenship: As a member of the society, a student should be conscious about his or her duties, functions and obligations towards society.
12. Education for leisure: Leisure is the time which is utilized for enjoyment and recreation. It is needed to keep up rest and regain energy. Leisure, if wisely used, gives birth to physical and mental balance. Artistic, moral and aesthetic developments can be inspired through the beneficial use of leisure time.
Some specified aims of education in Indian context:
When India became free there was a need for re-orientation and restructuring of all our existing social, political and educational systems, in order to meet the socio-economic, political and educational needs of the country.
Since independence, various committees and commissions were appointed to lay down the aims and objectives of education in India.
1. University Education Commission of 1948 was chaired by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan.
2. Secondary Education Commissions of 1952–53. was headed by Dr. Murlidhar as its chairman.
3. National Education Committee was set up under Dr. S. Radhakrishnan as its chairman.
4. Kothari Education Commission of 1964–66.
National Educational Policy (1986) specified the following aims and objectives of our education:
1. All round material and spiritual development of all people.
2. Cultural orientations and development of interest in Indian culture.
3. Scientific temper
4. National cohesion
5. Independence of mind and spirit. Furthering the goals of socialism, secularism and democracy.
6. Man-power development for different levels of economy.
7. Fostering research in all areas of development.
8. Education for equality.
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