Discuss what you believe to be the purpose(s) of education today Essay - 2

Discuss what you believe to be the purpose(s) of education today - Essay Example This is actually an experience that brings formative effects on the manner in which an individual thinks and feels or whose acts may be taken to be educational. The research examines the significance that education often holds for an individual and society in the modern times.  The educational process is very long, often being divided into stages that one has to undertake progressively; these stages include, the preschool, which is at the initial level, primary and then secondary, then later tertiary education which comprises of college and university as well as apprenticeship. The science that describes the bets and effective ways to teach is referred to as pedagogy. Because of the perceived importance of education, education has been ratified as an important human right, with governments enacting various legislations and means to ensuring that their citizens access quality education effectively. This has seen the introduction of free elementary education in some countries and even up to tertiary levels in others, all in a bid to ensure that the nation is effectively educated in order to influence social and economic development in the country Newman, the Catholic poet explains that in the learning process, especially at the higher level, the university, learners get the essence of learning. He says, â€Å"†¦The university is a society in which the student absorbs the graces and accomplishments of a higher form of life† (Newman para 2). It is believed that long before any formalized research existed; state constitution and all forms of legislative requirements, philosophers of the ancient times had already shown great regard to the purpose of education and the process of schooling in general (Newman para 6). They seemed to encourage people to think and identify the true meaning of life, and training their children on this path in order to become responsible

The Sacred Pipe Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Sacred Pipe - Essay Example The sentimental value of some possessions may range from something as simple as a letter, a pen or even jewelry which is a family heirloom. These things may seem ordinary and mundane to others but it is what it represents that makes all the difference. The same consideration, at a different level of intensity, makes for the meaning that the sacred pipe holds. Another aspect of a sacred pipe is how it serves as a communication device that communes man not only to his nature but also to his ancestors. This is not an entirely alien concept as there are other religions that believe in the influence of people who have already passed as guardians present in daily life. The pipe is a means to communicate with ancestors who can be a source of hope for these people. Anyone who has lost a loved one knows how it feels to want to be able to talk to them again and maybe to ask them for guidance during the most trying times. Winter represents a difficult time and it symbolizes hardships and despair. The knowledge that a sacred pipe could connect two worlds is nothing short of faith. The mother should sacrifice everything for her children and must develop in herself and in her children a great love for Wakan-Tanka, for in time these children will become holy people and leaders of the nation and will have the power to make others wakan. At first we keep only the souls of a few of our great leaders, but later we kept the souls of almost all good people (Brown 11) This quote affirms that the Native Americans place the responsibility to mothers to be able to rear her children properly and to sacrifice her own desires and needs for their benefit. Regardless of this passage, I believe that a mother’s love is absolute and that even without any order or reminder remains the same notwithstanding what culture one belongs to. The same mother’s love is seen and manifests in a loving home in a way that a person’s success and virtue is most likely to be attributed to one’s mother and the patience with which he was brought up to. It is by this same n otion that I suppose that my own character was shaped. My mother served as a role model and the primary person who has molded me from birth. Mothers would want nothing more than for their children to grow up to be good people. The respect you show to your parents is a good indication of a person’s upbringing. The same amount of respect is invaluable in the traits that make for a great leader. The concept of wakan provides for the perpetuation of memories of people who have imparted an indelible memory to the community. They are better than historical figures such as presidents for they remain in spirit with the people. They are not the only subject of stories and anecdotes studied for memory but they are infinite beings that transcend time and lifetimes. This commune with a concept as intangible as the soul substantiates why being a holy wakan is something to achieve for. â€Å"The leader of the rite then says: ‘This is the fire that will help the generations to come i f they use it in a sacred manner".