Between Education and Functional Education |
The debate on classroom education versus activity-based education is a debate that needs to be understood from multiple dimensions. One is traditional, the other is modern, which we nowadays call functional education. During our time, teachers with ‘Chalk, Walk, and Talk’ were the primary source of classroom teaching, which has now to some extent transformed into smart-board classrooms. Here, we can say that the traditional classroom has become a smart classroom. Both ways of teaching are still the same, but what differs in the debate between education and functional education?
While differentiating education and functional education, let’s first understand that education normally means acquiring knowledge and experience from books, as well as skills and attitudes through formal schooling. Functional education, on the other hand, refers to the practical side of this education applied to everyday life, work, and problem-solving. Its primary aim is to prepare individuals to function effectively in society by teaching relevant, real-world competencies alongside basic academics. In essence, while education centres on the acquisition of knowledge and theory, functional education focuses on the practical application of that knowledge for real-life use.
Now, compare the above statement with our schools. Is this type of education available or not? What are the benefits of having both education under one roof? What were the merits of traditional education? How beneficial or harmful is modern, activity-based education, which we call functional education. Does it work well or make things worse? What exactly is education as it is currently presented, expected, and yet to be fully delivered?
If my child, at an age when he should be playing, is carrying a 10 kg school bag full of business kits and activity materials that stress him mentally and physically, then it is harmful. If these activities become a business, the system fails to achieve its aim. Today, we see our children working on projects, painting, crafting, drawing, and spending too much time on mobile phones and computers, neglecting reading and writing, and forgetting the value of education, becoming addicted to the internet and indulging in many different activities can be as harmful as it is beneficial for society.
I need education with humanity and morality, as it is argued that activity-based education overlooks the deeper, traditional values of life. It is emphasized that balanced education should be given to children. Secondly, why do we limit activity-based learning to schools only? Let it be society-based, let it be home-based. Why should it be market-based? All the functional methods used in primary and secondary levels can easily be practiced at home. But the way schools are selling activity-based education makes education a commodity and students mere beneficiaries.
So, education is both theoretical as well as practical, and if our child receives this type of education in one place, it is significant without losing the concept of all-round development. Education, under various names, leads to one goal: to equip children with knowledge, wisdom, learning, and experience to be good human beings as well as responsible contributors. Today’s concept is a blend of academic knowledge and activity-based learning, with expectations focused on preparing children for a competitive, modern world. However, it has yet to fully deliver on the holistic development parents truly desire.
Most parents want schools to not only provide intellectual growth but also emphasize moral, physical, and value-based education. They expect their children to learn manners, values, discipline, and an understanding of society and relationships. When schools, both private and government, focus excessively on activities at the expense of moral and physical development, they risk neglecting these core parental concerns. To satisfy parents, schools must strike a balance by integrating strong character-building programs alongside academic and activity-based learning, ensuring children grow into responsible, well-rounded individuals who are rooted in both knowledge and values.