Education is the Continuous Reconstruction and Reorganisation of Experiences

Education is the Continuous Reconstruction and Re organisation of Experiences

                Education being dynamic in its aspects it has many sides. The functional side of education has been discussed by various thinkers n various ways. In "Democracy and Education", John Dewey has discussed at length the functions of education. However, Prof.  Jacks has observed: "As a whole, there is plenty of work for education to do; its prime task is to transfer the original evil into acquired good." Thus the true function of education is to cultivate the true significance of life through integrated growth.

John Dewey believes that "Education is the process of living through a continuous re-construction of experiences".

              A close analysis of this view will make the point clear. The prior assumption is: the child has own experiences: Education reconstruct or reorganizes these experiences, refines them and gives them meaning the reconstruction or re organisation of experiences adds to the further refinement of experiences. The two together develop the ability in it child to control and direct the subsequent experiences.

There are three focal points which must be kept in mind. These are:

(i) Inheritance

Every new generation inherits experiences of the past generation.

(ii) Participation

Every new generation participates in the experience of the race. The superfluous elements of the cultural heritage are eliminated and the essential ingredients are preserved.

(iii) Contribution

We not only participate but also contribute the experiences of the race by transmitting those experiences.

The three focal points-inheritance, participation and contribution-rolled into one constitute the process of continuous reconstruction and re-organisation of experiences. According to John Dewey, educative experiences further direct the subsequent experiences.

They help us in anticipating certain situations and consequences. We, therefore, plan our future experiences in such a way that we secure their "beneficial consequences and avert the undesirable ones."