What is education for?

This is a big question I know, but as someone that works in a school it’s something I think needs to be asked, but often isn’t asked. Or when it’s asked, it’s asked quickly and not much thought is put into the answer so the answers end up being, “because it’s useful”, or, “because that’s what school is.” Both of those answers don’t really answer the question.

Often schools just run mechanically because so much has already been decided by administrators and curriculum designers and by government organizations (for public schools) or by church organizations (for religious schools). They often run mechanically because so many people don’t ask this question*.

What is education for? Why exactly are the students learning what they’re learning? What is the purpose of learning the material and doing the assignments?

Is it because they are learning valuable life skills? Or is it because learning is a worthwhile thing to do? Maybe it’s to stay informed about the world around you and think more critically. Maybe it’s to better appreciate pieces of art, films, or music when you experience them. Maybe it’s to improve interpersonal skills and better work as part of a team. Maybe it’s to be creative. Maybe it’s just an enjoyable activity. Whatever the reason that needs to be decided.

But one reason that doesn’t make any sense is, “because this is how it’s always been?” That doesn’t answer the question.

As a music educator I think learning about music is worthwhile for it’s own sake. Learning music is worthwhile because it’s an interesting subject. It’s also worthwhile because it allows you to more deeply and more fully appreciate and understand music when you listen to it. Learning about music changes the way you listen to music. It changes and enhances any concerts that you might go to.

In addition to all of this it allows you to better critique and understand the culture around you. Understanding how music works helps you understand how blues music relates to jazz music and how hip-hop relates to jazz music. It helps you understand the history of specific events better because of the music that was written either during that time, or in response to that event.

But often these questions go unanswered for whatever reason and busy work is assigned. Which ends up hurting the quality of the education and the quality of the experience for the students and the teachers.

*I do want to add a caveat to this because I do realize that a lot of these problems could be much more easily fixed with more funding allocated towards schools. Smaller class sizes, better pay, more teachers, better technology, and better professional development would help schools operate a whole lot better.

ISJ