Contemporary issues in education (Coursework Sample)

Outline
1 Introduction
2 Question 1
3 Question 2
4 Question 3
5 Conclusion
Learning and Contemporary Issues in Education
1 Introduction
Learning has a profound influence on one’s thought processes, development, and professional disposition. By interacting with the learning process, learners gradually discover the most suitable career for them. Education should transform learners to critical thinkers. Any learning that emphasizes on passive acquisition of knowledge without engaging the minds of learners actively, critically, and creatively is not worth pursuing. Given the place that it occupies in human lives, education undergoes constant transformation in order to remain relevant and applicable to people’s lives. Emerging issues in education include technology and HIV AIDS education. This paper will delve into the issues of learning and critical thinking, career, and changes in the education system.
Question 1
Gutek (2004) avers that the most practical benefit of education is to transform learners into critical thinkers. Critical thinking refers to the "disciplined art of ensuring that you use the best thinking you are capable of in any set of circumstances" (Dewey, 1938, p.34). An educated mind analyzes situations from multidimensional angles. The product of a sound mind is rational decisions, measured words, and skilled actions. The product of an unsound mind is poor decisions that cause problems, wasteful use of energy and resources, as well as frustration. Ideal learning should enhance mental clarity of the learners and make them understand situations faster and correctly.
Learning also affects development and professional disposition. Gutek (2004) defines disposition as the "values, commitments, and professional ethics that influence behavior towards colleagues, family, and community" (23). Learning affects the way individuals develop and their learning disposition. Ideal learning should develop learners intellectually, socially, economically, and enhance their political consciousness. A learned mind is an epitome of civility, justice, fairness, and correctness.
Personally, learning has contributed to my development and professional disposition and made me a critical thinker. I make reasoned and logical judgments. Politically, my decisions are not influenced by the popular opinion. I think through situations and I am not afraid to stand alone in a multitude. Professionally, I practice virtues of diligence, fairness, and justice.
References
Dewey, J. (1938). Experience and education. New York, NY: Touchstone Books.
Gutek, G. L. (2004). Philosophical and ideological voices in education. Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Question 2
Like any other aspect of life, education has undergone immense changes in the last a hundred years. Some of these changes are positive while others should not have happened. The most profound changes are curriculum, teaching style, and classroom equipment. A hundred years ago, the curriculum was limited to literacy, arithmetic, and arts. Nowadays, the curriculum has expanded to include new disciplines such as computer and information technology studies. This diversity was non-existent in the past. Additionally, classrooms were simple structures with big spaces, a blackboard and chalks. In modern times, smart boards have replaced blackboards and the range of equipment has increased. Similarly, teaching styles have evolved to reflect realities of modern times. There has been a shift to a more learner-centered approach and teaching is sensitive to learners’ individual needs.
The other positive change is the end of racial segregation in schools. The United States Supreme Court ruling rooted out discrimination and made it possible for students from different races to learn together (Aldridge & Goldman, 2007). Ideally, education should promote equality. To segregate students because of the color of their skin is not only dehumanizing but also an affront to the essence of education
Some changes in the last a hundred years are regrettable. In the past, the teacher was the ultimate source of authority within the school. Schools operated on strict discipline and teachers were concerned about learners’ social developments. A hundred years later, teachers have lost their place as disciplinarians in the school. Law reforms and human rights advocates have been instrumental in championing students’ rights. While some of the punishments administered by teachers in the past were inhumane and unacceptable, it is regrettable that the teachers have lost their place as disciplinarians. The rudimental role of teachers in disciplining students has escalated indiscipline levels in schools (University of Phoenix, 2009).
References
Aldridge, J., & Goldman, R. (2007). Current issues and trends in education. Boston, MA: pearson education.
University of Phoenix. (2009). The mission of Kelsey School District: Virtual Organizations: Kelsey Unified School District. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/secure/aapd/cist/vop/Education/KelseyAdmin/KelseyAdminHome.html
Question 3
Educational institutions have changed to deal with societal changes. Most of these changes have been inspi...