Log #7

Log #7

This week I read the book < The Aims of Education> written by Whitehead. Compared to other novels, this book is not that interesting enough. However, It made me think about the fundamental functions of education.

Since I want to be a teacher after getting a master's degree . Teaching is not an easy thing at all. Education is not only responsible for the state and society but also educates themselves.
And teachers teach students how to make a living, more importantly, how to live a good life, how to enjoy life and to help others enjoy life.

However, China's recent development of higher education is increasingly in the direction of utilitarian. On the department setting, the division is more and more specialized. Universities pay much attention on the science majors and cultivate technology professionals. But liberal arts education is intrinsically valuable. And the goal of learning is not just to find a good job but to be a good person.

Well, Proper utilitarianism is not bad, since people should be able to make a living. The problem is that it is wrong to let utility be the last goal. There is difference in education between China and developed countries. In China, children has been taught to read, write and count for the purpose of getting good grades and going to a good middle school in the future. The purpose of going to a good middle school is to go to a good high school. The purpose of a good high school is to go to a good university. The purpose of going to a good university is to find a good job. The purpose of finding a good job is to make a lot of money.
If the whole society targets only to GDP, money will dominate and corrupt everything.

This book also reminded me of an Indian comedy called <three idiots>. Education is  personalized. What is the most important thing in a person's life? It is lifetime happiness. I will keep polishing my concept map and reflect on myself.