Reading report on What is education
What is education, by Philip W. Jackson, is a comprehensive and insightful book
that delves into all aspects of education. It provides an in-depth analysis of the different
definitions, interpretations and historical significance of education, highlighting its
importance in shaping human life and society. Philip W. Jackson was an American
educational psychologist and philosopher considered one of the most influential
educational theorists of his time. Jackson’s work has had a significant impact on the
field of education, and his ideas continue to be studied and debated by educators and
scholars around the world.
In What is education, Jackson offers a unique perspective on the purpose of
education, its different forms, and the challenges that it faces. Beginning with a
discussion of the wide range of definitions of education, Jackson invites readers to
reflect on their own understanding of the term. According to Jackson, education is a
socialization process that aims to transmit the values, beliefs and norms of a society to
its members. He argues that education is not just about acquiring knowledge or skills,
but also about developing character, fostering critical thinking and fostering a sense of
social responsibility. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of education as a
social good that benefits both individuals and society. According to Jackson, the
primary function of education is to prepare individuals for citizenship, which involves
developing the capacities and dispositions necessary for active participation in civic life.
This includes teaching students how to think critically, how to communicate effectively
and how to solve problems creatively. Jackson also emphasizes the importance of
diversity and equity in education, arguing that education should strive to promote social
justice by challenging and dismantling oppressive social structures. He suggests that
education should not just be about individual achievement, but also about promoting
the common good and fostering a sense of community. Jackson believes that education
should not be limited to the classroom but should also include non-formal and informal
education. He also addresses the challenges that education faces in the modern world,
including the impact of technology on education and the challenges of globalization.
This book can be organized into four parts: Education: Philosophy and Practice,
Education: Theories and Their Implications, Education: Practice and Issues, and
Education: Change and the Future, each focusing on a different aspect of education.
The first part of the book discusses the definition of education, distinguishes it
from schooling and urges readers to view education as something beyond just
memorizing information. Jackson argues that education is a complex and multifaceted
process that involves not only the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but also the
development of individuals as whole human beings. He contends that education is not
simply a means to an end, but rather an ongoing process of growth and development
that continues throughout one's life time. Jackson also emphasizes the importance of
context in understanding education. He notes that education is shaped by a variety of
factors, including cultural, historical, and social contexts, and that these factors play a
significant role in shaping the goals and objectives of education. The first part provides
a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of the meaning and purpose of education. It sets
the stage for the rest of the book by establishing a framework for understanding
education as a complex and multifaceted process that is shaped by a variety of
contextual factors.
In the second part, Jackson discusses the different forms of education, including
formal, non-formal, and informal education. He argues that formal education, which
takes place in schools, is just one aspect of education and that non-formal and informal
education are equally important. Jackson believes that non-formal education, such as
community-based programs and workshops, can be more effective in promoting
personal growth and development than formal education. He also discusses different
theories of education, from the traditional concept of apprenticeship to modern ideas of
humanistic education. In this part, Jackson examines key thinkers and ideas that have
influenced modern education, including John Dewey, Jean Piaget and B.F. Skinner.
Jackson acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education that
would work universally, and that broad educational theories are essential. He also
explores the role of education in society, including its relation to social mobility,
economic growth, and political stability.
The third part of this book focuses on the role of schools in education. In this part,
Jackson discusses how different educational stakeholders, including teachers, students,
and parents, contribute to the educational process in various ways. Jackson argues that
schools should not just be places where students acquire knowledge, but should also be
places where students develop their social and emotional skills. He emphasizes the need
for schools to promote a sense of community and social cohesion and to help students
develop a sense of empathy and understanding for others. He stresses the importance
of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for learning, where students can
engage in meaningful conversations and activities that stimulate their intellectual
curiosity and creativity. Jackson presents suggestions for ways to make classrooms
more effective, including using technology and incorporating more diverse perspectives
into the curriculum. Moreover, group work and effective communication are essential
for creating inclusive learning communities.
The fourth and final part of the book is titled The Educational Challenge. This
section of the book focuses on the many challenges facing education today, and
explores some possible solutions to these challenges. In this part, Jackson
acknowledges that the current educational system is flawed and in need of significant
reform. He argues that the system is often characterized by inequality, with students
from disadvantaged backgrounds facing significant barriers to success. He also notes
that the system is often overly focused on standardized testing and rote memorization,
rather than on cultivating critical thinking skills and creativity. To address these
challenges, Jackson suggests that educators need to embrace more student-centered
approaches to learning, and to focus on developing students' intellectual, emotional,
and social capacities. He also emphasizes the importance of creating learning
environments that are inclusive and culturally responsive, and that take into account the
individual needs and backgrounds of each student. In the end, Jackson calls an action
for educators, policymakers, and communities to work together to create a more
equitable and effective educational system.
Throughout the book, Jackson emphasizes the need for education to evolve with
the changing needs of society. He urges readers to take a critical approach to education,
questioning traditional assumptions and embracing new ideas, methods and techniques.
The book makes a compelling case for the importance of education in promoting
innovation, progress and social justice. The book also offers many valuable ideas and
perspectives on education, such as the importance of context in education. And the role
of the teacher is important. Jackson argues that the teacher plays a crucial role in
education, not only as a source of information but also as a mentor, guide, and role
model for students. Jackson emphasizes that education is always situated within a
particular social and cultural context, and that educators must be sensitive to these
factors in order to create effective learning environments. One of my favorite ideas from
the author in this book is: “Education is not a commodity, even though it is often treated
as such. It is a process of human development, and its ultimate goal is the cultivation
of human potential.” This quote encapsulates the author's view that education should
not be reduced to a mere transaction, but rather should be seen as a process of nurturing
and developing individuals. The quote emphasizes the importance of education in
unlocking human potential, and highlights the need for educators to prioritize the
holistic development of their students.
The writing style of this book is academic and scholarly. Jackson uses a formal
language and structured arguments to convey his ideas. The book is divided into four
chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of education. Each chapter is wellorganized and follows a logical progression of ideas. Jackson's writing is clear and
concise, but also dense and complex at times. Jackson employs simple language and
relatable examples to make what can be a dense topic more approachable. He makes an
effort to explain his ideas in simple terms, making the book accessible to a wider
audience. However, Jackson also draws on a wide range of sources, including history,
philosophy and sociology, to provide a holistic and nuanced understanding of education.
He uses academic terminology and references to support his arguments, making the
book more suitable for an academic audience.
The tone of this book is objective and analytical. Jackson presents his analysis and
arguments in a clear and concise manner, using evidence and examples to support his
points. There is a sense of authority and expertise in the author's writing, as he draws
on his extensive knowledge and experience in the field of education. While the author
is passionate about the importance of education, he maintains a measured and
professional tone throughout the book, avoiding any emotional or biased language.
Overall, the tone of the book is serious, informative, and academic.
In conclusion, What is Education provides a thorough, thoughtful, and accessible
analysis of the nature and significance of education, past and present. It also provides a
nuanced and thoughtful perspective on education, emphasizing the importance of
context, the role of the teacher, and the need for educational reform. Jackson's clear and
concise writing, combined with his structured arguments and objective tone, makes the
book a valuable resource for anyone interested in education.