Education: The Evolution Of Learning

One of the defining characteristics of mankind is our capacity and intense desire to acquire knowledge. We are by no means the only species that is capable of learning, as is clearly evidenced by dogs mastering tricks, chimpanzees who take up painting, and dozens of other examples that are seen all around the world. However, humans have a unique passion for the acquisition, spread, and utilization of knowledge. From our earliest moments, we begin to learn about the world around us, and our journey of education never ends, despite leaving the traditional framework of educational institutions after our early years.

Everything that we as individuals develop out of something we have learned or understood, and over time, the process of education has changed dramatically. Teaching methods and educational theories are as malleable as the minds they seek to influence, and new forms of learning present themselves to us every day. There are those who think that education stops when they cross a graduation stage, and while it might slow down from a quantitative perspective, the breadth and depth of potential knowledge only begin to reveal them-self when “real life” starts.

One of the modern crises that we are facing in this generation relates to education. As the attention of nations is increasingly pulled toward global issues, the idea of educating new generations has unfortunately been pushed into the background. The systems that have worked for generations seem generally satisfactory, so interest in reform or sweeping changes to the traditional methods of education rarely makes it to the forefront of public discourse. This is a dangerous and slippery slope, because there is nothing with greater potential to do harm than an ignorant generation.

Once the momentum of educational progress slows to a halt, then the only possible outcome of continuing with the same methodology is inevitable reversal. One generation passes their knowledge to the next, and this generation passes the same knowledge to the one that comes after that. If society and the economy develops and moves forward while our educational systems remain stagnant, the relative effect is one of learning moving backwards.

We have become so fascinated with the revolutionary advancements in recent years that it is becoming easier to forget about the fundamental needs of our cultures. Certain nations remain focused on maintaining a strong educational foundation for their up and coming generations, but far too many countries are seeing falling achievement scores, increasing drop-out rates, and a generally less educated public. Although there are an unlimited number of approaches to the process of learning, depending on subject matter, resources, teacher quality, and educational goals, educational reform has still remained slightly behind the pace of the world as we have moved into the 21st century.

When new pressures, fresh distractions, and shifting interests begin to impact the efficacy of the educational process, then a change must occur. Unfortunately, the “old ways” are still considered the best, and with some small exceptions like computer labs, online courses, and a growing concentration on technology and the internet, the basic elements of education have not changed in decades. Know more about the evolution of learning only at the University Canada West, one of the best universities in Canada, offering various business and management related programs.