What is Education?

The word education was originally originated from the Latin word: Educere, which means, “to lead out” or “to draw out,” suggestively from darkness to light. This shows the process of bringing out the hidden capabilities of a child through the growth within him/her. In addition, there is another view about education. In this view, education has been originated from the Latin word Educatum. This word means the “act of training or teaching.” However there is another view about the origin of education which has been traced from the Latin word: Educare. This term refers to “bring up,”  “to nourish” or “to train.” There are some similarity existing in the given terms in the sense that each and every individual or person possesses a unique quality and talent developed within them.  They have some urge inside them to do something. Here, education facilitates every person or individuals to explore their capabilities or unfold their hidden skills, qualities and talents. In addition, it will help to bring forth their talents.

Numerous educators depending upon their view have put forward their definition about education. According to Ralph Tyler, “Education is the process of changing the behavior pattern of people.” This educator does not go after the behavior model of people. He describes education as the tool that calls for wider conception of behavior of man and that includes: thinking, feeling and overt action. As we can see, his definition about education is very narrow, which shows a mechanist function about education. According to this view, learning is to be shaped and manipulated. This says that in order to get education it should be flexible because different individual have unique skills, talents and interest. So, every learner should be provided with different type of education as required. This view focuses more on destiny or goals which is not of his. That means, the goal is already maintained and every individual have to work or learn to attain that goal.