A School is an Institution imparting education to students under the guidance of teachers. Thinking of Schools, images of a building, teachers, classmates, staff etc. paint our imagination. These images are what a school mean to us. A School also reminds us, of all our bitter and fruitful experiences. When at School we tend to hate the 'Forced Mundane Routine', however upon passing out of the school, we cherish the moments which make many of us nostalgic. But a closer look reveals more than what we can imagine. A School is a 'Temple of Knowledge'. This knowledge is based on our experiences gathered in the environs of a School. A School mostly comprises a period of time which generally ranges from 13-15 years. These years spent in a School are, what makes a child, a boy and eventually a man. And the type and quality of education one gets in a School, makes one a 'Better or Bitter Man'. It is this 'Forced Mundane Routine' which is the base level of education. More than just providing access to education, a school is a hub of a vast array of activities. These activities include Debates, Sports Day, Celebration of Festivals, Annual Day, Various Competitions etc. Even if a student may participate in some or in none, the mere presence of a child makes one an indirect participant. This indirect participation also has a purpose because they form an experience whose value may be realised in the present or in the future. Every bit of time spent in a School builds an intellect of a student. For example, when students are playing a game, they develop a sense of Sportsmanship or Leadership. Another example is the time spent in Library, the area of one's knowledge expands when a student is exposed to reading material which is outside the regular syllabus of a school. Though bricks and mortar cannot be called an Institution but these provide a restricted environment where the body and the mind develop better than beyond the boundary of bricks and mortar. Devoid of a School Environment, a child remains deprived of an essential part of his life. This deprivation not only cripples the future of that child but it also cripples the development of a nation. Had that child studied in a school he could have contributed a lot towards the development of nation. Even if a child receives partial schooling, he is a step above the ordinary illiterate citizen. The scope of a school is more vast than one what can imagine, it's results are seen in the prospective citizens in the form of Scientists, Doctors, Engineers etc. Even if one doesn't become the mentioned professional, one is still efficient and capable in one's area of work or interest. It wouldn't be wrong to say that a school, whether a basic or higher level does provide an environment in which every student discovers and realizes his potential.
Emergence of Schools
Before formal schools existed in any form, children received their education from the parents or the community. The Home, Farm, Market etc. were the Classrooms and Parents, Relatives were the Teachers. Customs, traditions and experiences were passed on from one generation to another. Schools in Ancient times were different from the one's that exist today. Schools in those times were known by different names, had varied teaching methodology and were formal in nature. School of these attributes are considered to have existed since Classical Period (8th to 6th centuries BC) in Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. It was this period that Greek and Roman Literature developed.
Forms of Ancient Schools
All the above mentioned forms of Schools came of age with the passage of time. They became more organised and focused. They diversified the areas of their teaching and established certain rules and regulations for managing the schools in an appropriate manner. Students were required to follow a certain code of conduct. Modern Schools are commonly compulsory for students all over the Globe. There is no discrimination related to sex, race, colour etc. Today’s Informal Schools provide schooling to young children (3-5 years). These Informal Schools are known as Kindergarten or Pre-schools and they prepare children for studying in Formal Schools. Today’s generations have varied access to schools. There are 'Homeschools' for students who are taught at home because of various reasons. Kids are typically taught by parents and sometimes by tutors. In some countries Homeschooling is done under the supervision of correspondence schools or umbrella schools. These may have a legally approved curriculum. Homeschools are more popular in the western world especially in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Most of the other countries do not accept it as legal or proper education.
Schools have Two or Three basic Levels or Stages. These vary from country to country. Some countries describe the different stages in Years, whereas other countries use a system of Grades. The Terminology also varies from country to country. For example, in the U.S. the term 'High School' stands for Secondary Level of Schooling.
Primary Level - Primary Stage refers to primary education. It is the Initial level of schooling. It is here that the children get basic education. Students studying in these schools are of certain age which varies from 4-11 years or more as per the country regulations. This level may include 1st Class to 5th Class. In North America, this level of school is also referred as Elementary School Level. This level of education is known as Primary in United Kingdom, India, Ireland, Pakistan, Australia, Latin America, South Africa and New Zealand.
Middle Level - Middle Stage of school is the one which lies between Primary and Secondary Stage. This level is also referred as 'Intermediate Level'. There are certain rules observed when considering a Middle Level of Schooling which varies in different parts of the world. For Example in United States and some parts of Canada, middle level of schooling is usually composed of grades 6, 7, and 8 (i.e. around ages 11–14). On the other hand, most regions of Australia do not have middle schools, as students go directly from primary school to secondary school.
Secondary Level - Secondary Stage of Schooling is the one where a student finishes his Schooling. The age of students studying in this level generally range between the ages of 10 and 16 years. This level of schooling is done in Secondary schools which are equipped to handle advanced studies. The Grades at this level varies from 7-12th depending on the regulations of the country. For example, in Canada Secondary Level of Schooling comprises of grades 9\10–12. On the other hand, U.S. includes grades 9-12th in it's Secondary Level of schooling.
Schools can be categorised in a variety of ways. For example there are Play Schools, Community Schools, Religious Schools, Army Schools etc. But the definition of these schools change as per the geographical location of a Country. Schools in different parts of the world have developed gradually in response to a variety of conditions. They are product of the society they serve and they also influence the future of this society. Though the infrastructure, curriculum, teaching methodology, teaching medium etc. varies from country to country, Schools all over the World are divided into 2 Basic Categories.
Two Types of Basic Schools
There are a vast number of Schools all over the world. While some are prestigious, others are in between and some are 'Never-Heard-of'. However, some schools are good schools even when they might not be prestigious or high profiled one's. These schools not only produce academically brilliant students but they also produce essentially good citizens. They might not have fancy buildings or unnecessary infrastructure, yet they bring out the best in a child. But what makes these schools, to be known as 'Good One's'. There are certain factors or essentials which build a Good School. These are mentioned below.
Unlimited Vision - Schools lack the activities, methods and environment which can stimulate creative and independent thinking abilities that children of today require. Good Schools imagine beyond the conventional limits of education. They widen the scope of education which is not limited to just a class room. They provide a platform for open mind, clear thinking, respect, creative imagination etc. which in normal schools is not provided. All the schools activities are mixed with every day aspects of life making them interesting. Their vision in this sense is unlimited.
Meaningful Education - These schools provide opportunity for children to develop skills that will enhance their lives and not just enhance their academic skills. Most schools are primarily focussed on developing academic intellect of a child but the Need of the Hour' is to go beyond these conventional techniques. If education makes us just scholars who are restricted in their scholarly activities then it is a great loss of 'Mind Power' not to mention 'Man Power'. Sadly, this is the prevalent scenario in many nations of the world. These nations produce a lot of educated citizens but are they skilled to handle life or make a prospective career. Education needs to go beyond the traditional mechanism. Schools need to make education simple to understand and which can be applied in ever-changing situations.
Regular Checks - Most of the governments just build a plethora of schools in order to show off. However, establishing schools is just a one step, keeping regular check on the quality of education and weeding out malpractices, is another. There are many shortcomings in many areas, which, if kept unchecked defeat the entire purpose of a School. If the needs or valid request of teachers, staff etc. are not met, proper education is not possible. In such a situation, not only students suffers, the whole country is going to suffer in the long run.
Exam Scores - In majority of schools grades are translated into one's ability to study. However, grades present only a fraction of a child's capabilities. Grades or scores are not the only means of judging a student's capabilities. There are other areas like Sports, Arts etc. where one excels. If a child is weak in studies it is the duty of the teacher to understand the child's weakness and work accordingly. There are always ways to deal with such students. Instead 'Conventional School Wisdom' demands to be strict with such students. Psychological methods can be used to bring the best out of the worst, along with development of a child's area of expertise.
Recognising and Appreciating Talent - Most schools snub an extracurricular achievement of a student which is against the basic principles of a school. A school whose teachers not only recognise the true potential of a child but they also provide justice to that potential, are the one's which can be called 'Good School's'. While exam scores are essential it is needed to be understood that not everybody is academically inclined. All children are gifted in their own unique way and to recognise and sow these into fruitful ventures is the real aim of a school.
Involvement of Parents - Though Schools is mostly, an area of concern of those who are the most closely linked to it. But it in reality it is as much of a responsibility of both parents to be closely involved with a child's schooling. Gone are the days, when you just admitted your child in a school and left all the responsibility to the school staff. Schools who make it compulsory for parents to interact with the school at regular intervals have much better students than those who ignore these activities. Parents are required to be involved as their child spends a majority of time at home. Most of the child's habits and behaviour originate form his experiences at home. If certain of his activities are not monitored, a conflict can occur at school. Therefore, it becomes a duty of parents to make sure that their child is in 'Good Chord' with the school. Thus, it is a collective effort of both school and parents to look after the welfare of their child.
Unity of the School Staff - Unity, here means that the whole school staff is sticking to the guidelines provided by the school. Any sort of discrimination or partiality in favour of certain staff members can pollute the minds of other peers. Personal agendas, grudges etc. can affect teaching and the school environment. The school staff is the main organ of a school. If it is not united in it's efforts as per the school norms, it's pupils will suffer. Therefore these need to be properly addressed and resolved by the concerned authorities.
Expression of Thoughts - Schools which enable expression of thoughts are obviously better than others. This is because the curiosity of a child is being properly fed with appropriate knowledge. Kids have tons of questions in their minds which may or may not be related to studies. Teachers tend to stick to topics which are provided in the syllabus, this is not sufficient for proper understanding of that topic. On other occasions teachers tend to 'Hush-Hush' certain taboo subjects like sex, abortion, pregnancy etc. Not only this, children also get scolded for raising such questions. This tendency hampers the mental development and instils a fear of asking such questions or asking any question at all. Leaving their questions unanswered makes a child vulnerable to accessing information which he might understand a little or might misunderstand. Such 'Half Baked Truths' puts one in awkward or dangerous situations. Addressing a child's curiosity with appropriate knowledge is an absolute duty of the school.
Post Schooling Support - Schools today, have more responsibility towards their students as 'It is the need of the hour'. Just making sure that a candidate passes out of the schools with flying colours isn't enough. Making sure that the students is on the right career path and is in pursuit of what is appropriate for him, is good enough. Schools which provide guidance in such areas of decision can be called 'True Schools'. A mind of the student is young and vulnerable to distractions. It is here that the Counselling comes in handy. Schools which provide students with community service opportunities, work-study programs and apprenticeships, show that they really care about their pupils. There are also other issues involved after a student’s completes school and as such further guidance provided to them by the schools goes a long way in deciding the future of the child.
Meaningful Student Involvement - Very few schools encourage students to speak out about the strengths and weakness of their schools. This, in fact is a good practice as it gives feedback to the authorities where they lack and where do they score. When students are involved in improving the school it becomes a 'Meaningful Student Involvement' in it's true sense. When students are given a certain amount of freedom to express their ideas, opinions, knowledge and experiences, it becomes an active communication. Instead of waiting for a certain period of time to see the results, this method provides instant results.
The importance of schools cannot be gauged as the effects of schooling last over a whole period of human life. The imprints of schools in our mind are stamped for life. The reason for this is that our minds are fresh and we tend to remember the first experiences, the most. How one may utilise his schooling depends on an individual and at what stage of his life, will his schooling affect his future decisions, cannot be predicted. A few paragraphs are not sufficient to describe the importance of schools, however there are a few Fine Points which are basic and can give a wide picture of what entails in a school.
Discipline - Schools which really understand the core values of a school, provide discipline amongst the students. It is through school discipline that students learn behavioural patterns which have positive results. If students do not know how to remain in good conduct they are bound to shunned by the society. Rules and regulations of schools keeps one at a bay from undesirable situations. For example, if one disobeys, he is told to write on the blackboard Hundred Times. This punishment looks silly, but it's purpose is not. This punishment teaches a valuable lesson to a kid as to what is appropriate and what is inappropriate. This way he learns the importance of discipline. Even the mere daily routine of getting ready to school is a means of discipline.
Good Communication Skills - A kid learns his language at his home. But at schools this level of language reaches to a top level. All the four skills of a language - Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing are sharpened at school. Even if one is not perfect in all these skills, he is better in others. Being the best in any of these, sometimes become the most valuable skill, as is the case with famous writers, poets, singers, public speakers etc. Schools provide an apt environment where one will listen, speak, read and write. No other environment provides such facility as a school does. Even if a student is doing all these activities without any actual interest, there is a lot to gain. Foe example, one may not want to write, but he still writes and this can improve his writing and develop a sense of patience as well.
Responsibility - At home one can shun his responsibilities but at school you cannot do this. You cannot dodge a certain task as there will be instant consequences. Many a times, a task provided to a student is a measure of his capabilities. To stand tall amongst others, a student will do that task with his utmost conviction. When this is done a student is can be called a 'Responsible One'. Similarly when preparing for an event, students are given certain duties. When the student learns to accept that he has a duty to perform, an automatic sense of responsibility develops in him, because inside he knows that he is worthy of doing that task and no one else can do that task, but him alone.
Good Citizen - Etiquettes and Manners are areas which the school teaches the best. These, in the long race turn a child into a good citizen. So, What is a good citizen? There are a host of criteria which one can count but the most important incumbent is the value called 'Be Good and Do Good'. If one follows this philosophy, he is on a path to good life. And where do we learn this value the most, schools, of course! Morality, Spirituality, Kindness etc. are all taught in the school. Once inculcated these become a nature of a person and one will stick to it because that is what defines him.
Intelligence - There is no doubt that the interaction that takes place in a school makes one an intelligent person. In the school environment a child learns how to deal with certain situations. By doing so he is using his brain and this activity alone provides him the tools required in the outer world. Even a slow learner gains intelligence when he is in the company of fast learners because he is constantly challenging himself to be at par with others. Intelligence doesn't only mean that one is good in studies, intelligence also means how one performs his home work, how creative he is in his drawing or what methods does one utilise to be a better student.
Leadership - Class Monitors, Prefects, Cricket Team Captain or Cheerleader Captain are all leaders. They are the chosen one's as they have some qualities which others don't have. When given such roles, playground, classrooms, stadiums become training grounds for these young leaders. Training at such stage of life makes one stand out in a crowd. Students get first hand experience of the complexities, responsibilities, hierarchical order and other aspects of leadership. Even those who are not leaders aspire to be like them and to some extent vouch for that position. These experiences count a lot in the job market, directly and indirectly.
Sportsmanship - Sports or Games are essential part of a school life. Most of the sports person of a nation acquire their basic training in schools. However, it is not the knowledge of a sport that one gains, another value that one gains is the quality of Sportsmanship. Just like studying, there are certain rules and regulations which one has to follow in order to call it a 'Fair Game'. Sports develop a consciousness of doing what is wrong. This consciousness keeps one on a good track. Along with it comes the consciousness of accepting defeat as part of the game and savouring victory.
Team Work - Extra Curricular Activities play an important role in a students life. Amongst the major valuable virtues acquired in schools is - Team Work. School Houses, Sport Teams, Singing Competitions etc. introduce the concept of team work and how it strengthens the efforts. Working as a team, students realise the importance of unity and how it affects their potential and output. Along with it they also acquire the intellect of effective and positive manipulation and gain an insight of other's weakness and strengths. Not only this, they also become proficient in using one’s weakness and strengths to their advantage.
Spirit of Adventure - Kids are no doubt, adventurous but the scope of their adventure is limited by non-availability of certain adventures. Schools here provide them Adventure. Certain activities like hiking, mountain climbing, dirt biking, horse riding, swimming etc. are exciting and provide a student with adventures, which in normal situations wouldn’t be possible or wouldn't be pursued at all. Adventure also teaches students that there is life beyond normal and that there are recreational avenues which they haven't explored. Spirit of adventure stretches one's limit, realise one's potential, inspires to do something different and break the routine affairs of life. But most importantly it also teaches that safety is a must for any adventure.
Employability - Schools and Jobs go hand in hand. Schools provide us basic education with which we can work part time and earn money. Some jobs just require high school or secondary school as basic qualification. The employability of a school student as compared to an illiterate is obvious. But the amount of independence and confidence one gains upon acquiring a job aren't obvious. The importance of these values aren't measurable as it takes a person to new and unimaginable heights. However, a graduation is a must before one become a full time professional because the rate of employment increase with level of literacy.
Where do Schools lack?
'Perfect School' sounds like 'Utopia', as both are not real. But if not perfect, then 'Less than Perfect Schools' can exist and do exist. This however, is more uncommon as educational policies need to updated and reformed. Schools lack in innumerable ways. There are certain glowing flaws for which 'No Expert' Opinion is required.
Some of the lacking of Schools are:
Money Minting Machines - There is no doubt that Schools exist to mint money and not to provide education. Schools are business centres dealing in education. If the primary goal of a school is to make dough than what about education? Schools need to stick to their objectives and not stray from these. It is true that without funds, an institution cannot be run. But if the true objective of a school precedes, the secondary objective, it becomes a formality in the name of education. Both Education and Finance should be treated equally. Finance should be adequately utilised for the proper promotion of education. If the authorities concerned realise the true value of schools, these will become more than just schools, they will become cradles of innovation, development and scientific conquest of a nation
Preferential Treatment - Bias and Unfair treatment of students is a the most common problem facing many schools. Preferential Treatment is done the on the basis of disability, gender, ethnicity, nationality, race, physical appearance, religion, social class or some other factors, both by staff and by peers. Even though the world has entered the 21st century, there are such minor hiccups which still affect the education system. Even the so called 'Western Nations' haven't been able to solve this problem. Such a treatment can have a deep impact on a students' mind and the results can be catastrophic for a society. Rapist, Murderers, Thieves and other Ant-Social elements are the by products of such a treatment. Schools need to effectively communicate this fact to students, that all children are equal and should be respected as such.
Violence - Another rampant situation faced by the schools is Violence. Though small fights are inevitable but when these escalate to physical and mental injuries, there is a dire need for intervention. Young blood often ignores the norms established by the school under the influence of greed, jealousy, pressure, anxiety etc. They ignore the consequences and fight like dogs and will even highlight their feats on the internet. This is a situation which needs a 'Hard Hand' but not literally. Constant surveillance in the form of camera and student informants are effective ways of curbing such situations. Sometimes there is certain rage inside students and to release them counselling, community service, clubs and other recreational activities are very much apt.
Unnecessary Distractions - Modern schools are a Gamut of activities which are forced upon and which are unnecessary. Certain schools have compulsory crafts classes’ wherein expensive material is required. Such activities if are to be made compulsory, the school should provide the material as well. Similarly unnecessary infrastructure which serve only decorative purposes rather than practical purposes are not only a wastage of money but also create useless diversions. For example LCD displays which consume electricity and are mere show off items, have become the attraction point of certain Indian Schools. Students tend to sway from Emphasis is laid more on the architecture than the real purpose of school. First and foremost things that need attention are the basics like quality of education, appropriate policies, reasonable fees etc. Then if the pocket allows go for other secondary things.
Corporal Punishment - In spite of awareness regarding the outcome of Corporal Punishment, this issue still dogs schools in many countries of the world. Corporal Punishment comes in many forms, basic is the 'Cane Whipping'. Such physical punishments cannot be reform for any student. These fuel criminal tendencies and effects the behaviour of many. While some take it with a 'Pinch of Salt', others are sensitive and cannot bear it or cannot withstand the shame or mockery involved with it. Punishments need to reformative and not abusive. Punishments should be designed in such a psychological manner that they don't appear punishment but serve the purpose of a punishment. Good behaviour can be reinforced with preventing situations in which negative behaviours can arise. Similarly one can persuade student without scolding or being harsh. For example, a teacher can appreciate a child amongst other kids for being obedient. This way he stands apart from others. Student inadvertently pick-up the behaviour which will give them accolades.
Too Much Study - Some schools religiously follow only academics with very little space for other accompanying activities. Such schools are creating only 'Robotic Scholars' who are good at only certain things. A school with a multitude of activities blended with academic pursuits bring an equilibrium. Study and only study dulls the mind and a student looses interest. Other activities make study interesting.
Score Based Evaluation - Grading System is important but Scores cannot be the 'Ultimate Deciders' of astudent’s capabilities. As discussed above under 'Essentials of a Good School', these are 'Mere Figures and Not Facts' of a student’s potential. Yet schools are obsessed with results, putting unnecessary pressure on students. It often results in suicidal tendencies and other harmful behaviour. Good scores should be appreciated but not at the cost of a student’s well being. Positive attitude can make even a low scorer, a good scorer. However, those who just don't have it can be consoled with the fact that this is not the End of the Line'.
The problem with most of the schools, mostly in Third World Countries, is that the basic framework of a school is suited best for honing only academic skills. On the other hand western education is more job oriented and is deficient in value based education. So on the one hand the Western World has high literacy rate accompanied by high rate of employment but moral values and tradition have taken a back seat. The situation in the Eastern World is quite opposite; here we have low to medium rate of literacy and low rate of employment. But Tradition and moral values still hold a strong ground. Each have their own strategies regarding school policies and each had their respective pros and cons. So it isn't fair to call one better than the other. However, a lot can be learned from each other's strategies and have a Mutually Beneficial Schooling System.