The gap at which our education system stands next to that of the West as perceived by the West can clearly be identified by the contents of this book. Written in 1932 by Bertrand Russell you can’t help but notice the similarities between England and the rest of the predominantly Western societies identified in the book to our present education method in Sri Lanka.
With every chapter that I complete I cannot help but reflect upon the endless conversations I have had within the confines of the staffroom with peers.
This book explores various spectrums of intellectual topics. It is not a sing song praise of British education. The levels at which he boldly scrutinises the methods practised by educationists at the time can be applauded as a truly intellectual document.
The elite public-school tradition in England, the democratic education in America, the dialectic materialism in communist education and even gender are all subjects that are bravely put under the microscope by this profound human being.
His take to education is very global. The arguments made by him tend to unwelcomely frown upon the idea of borders to education. Restrictions implemented to separate one as social class, race, gender and nationality. This is due to what I believe is his intention of seeing education as a tool for global harmony.
Boarders create a sense of the other to one’s own perspective and this can create competition which as a result according to Russell himself will discourage cooperation.
This book explores not only how knowledge must be passed from one to another but also the wellbeing of the overall student within a collective academic environment.
This book consists of 15 chapters. Each one analysing the behaviour of a social construct and its effects upon education. The title alone is straightforward and precise with its intentions.
Russell goes as far as to question English public schools and its bad effects on English men. He takes a pick at the attitude of English men towards colonised individuals and relates its effects to the English public-school tradition.
The book in a chapter titled Home vs School is also enterprising enough to take on primary education. Describing the expectations of a child and how this can be satisfied.
I was quite surprised at The Chapter Patriotism in Education as it boldly understood the importance of national security with regards to education.
Following up on modern techniques to education in Scandinavian countries which are considered the most sophisticated amongst educationists, I cannot help but assume that this book might have been a starting point to encouraging new approaches to the classroom.
Truth and how it’s perceived in the classroom is also a technical aspect to how education must be approached. He touches upon this like a classical Greek philosopher. The discourse on Truth has been quite a hackneyed topic over the centuries but is explored in a modern context that gives Russell’s examples quite an exemplary touch.
I however could not find any related thoughts with respect to the profession of teaching. The wellbeing of the teacher and how this could affect the effects of education. The book overall is a thorough assessment on education, its importance and the results it can have on both individuals and society.