Values Of Eastern And Western Education

A majority of individuals have inquiries concerning education and its potential benefits to students, communities, and the nation as a whole. In this regard, questions and theories about the nature, objectives and intentions of education are a good place to start especially when learning to think philosophically about the right delivery in education. According to Lewis, an educational philosophy is a set of ideas, principles, goals, standards, and values that are intended to have a positive impact on the teaching and learning process. Education is based on these values and principles; philosophy is a theory that is explained through education in terms of attaining teaching and learning objectives. Education is manifestation within and journey of positive transformation that makes one best in terms of purity, love, happiness and bliss.  

Education, according to Mahatma Gandhi, is the process of all-round development, drawing out the best in a child's body, mind, and spirit. He also focuses on girls' education, believing that girls and boys are the wings of a bird, and that both contributions are equally important in order for the bird to fly.  To Swami Vivekananda, education is the manifestation of divine perfection already present in a man. Education, according to Comenius, is the development of the whole man. It is the process of growing in various dimensions such as physiological, mental, intellectual, and spiritual. According to Pestalozzi, education is the natural harmonious and progressive development of man's innate powers. Education, according to Paulo Freire, is the process of raising students' awareness to be subject rather than object through critical consciousness. To Rabindranath Tagore, the highest education is that which not only provides us with information but also brings our lives into harmony with all of existence. 

Highest potential

Philosophy and education are closely inter-related despite being different field of studies.  According to Hassan, Western philosophy of education involves two schools, which are traditional and modern. It has its roots in Athens, Rome and Judeo-Christianity; whereas Eastern philosophy is derived from Islam, Confucianism, Taoism and Mahayana Buddhism. The education system is shaped by the set culture and traditions of particular society. Both Eastern and western philosophies are concerned with the wellbeing of individuals in terms of skills and attitudes. Western education mainly prepares students for career; whereas eastern education mainly prepares students for life. Western education is student-centred education, whereas eastern education is teacher-centred. Aristotle, Plato and Socrates encouraged rational thinking, whereas eastern education mainly obtained the knowledge from teachings of religion, such as Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Taoism. 

The role of students' active participation is recognised in western culture because there is a democratic class, whereas in eastern culture the role of students is not recognised because the class is teacher authoritarian. Western education encourages students for self-management, and teachers play an active role in guiding students to discover their highest potential or capability. Eastern education philosophy focuses on conformity and originality. Students are required to follow certain codes of conduct. They emphasise the importance of absorption of good manners and moral support to the children and make them follow the rules, and especially teachers are responsible to imbibe good habits in students. 

In contrast, Western education encourages individualism, creativity in students, since they are given freedom to express their idea and are not scolded but motivated positively by teachers when they make mistakes. Students are encouraged to share their opinions and make presentations in class. Teachers serve only as facilitators, so are not solely responsible for their learning achievement. On the other hand, eastern education philosophy focuses on the major outcomes from teachers; teachers are viewed as the sole responsible figure for the class.

Nepal is following eastern philosophy of education where the teachers are more active in preparing students for academic excellence. However, it is in the process of transformation nowadays due to extensive professional development programmes for teachers to ensure effective teaching and learning process. Life relevant education seems in practice emphasising more importance of morale values. The concept of humanism is deeply rooted in our education system. However, there is an urgency to prepare students with career or professional skills. The best education prepares students to meet personal, familial, social, and professional goals and helps them face the world happily. In addition, it prepares students to be globally competent, whereby they share their talent and skills on a wider platform. A blend of both educational philosophies helps students excel in both their professional and personal lives. 

Blended philosophy

The blended philosophy of both Eastern and Western cultures is equipped with 21st-century skills. This may prepare the students to face a changing world and help them compete in a competitive global market. One of the oldest Eastern philosophies, Confucianism, emphasises the importance of educating students to be virtuous in terms of honesty, loyalty, peace, and love rather than only teaching subjects. Similarly, western educational philosophies imbibe students with practical skills like communication, problem-solving, and leadership through imbibing self-confidence in learners. Integration of both educational philosophies in education may help students excel in personal, professional, academic, and social life. Identifying the strengths of both Eastern and Western educational philosophies and integrating them into Nepali education system for effective teaching and learning is critical for positive outcomes for both students and teachers. 

(The author is assistant professor at Kathmandu University School of Engineering and School of Law.)