The Vaccination Theory Of Education

Whatever level it is, the person feels content with the education level they have attained and thinks that it is adequate to see them through the rest of their life. They think of education like a vaccine – once you get it you are set for life.

Quite often this is true in the initial stages, but can you imagine that the education you have today would be adequate to still enable you to be successful 20 or 30 years from now? Will it enable you to still compete well if you are a business owner? Will it allow you to compete favourably in the employment market if you are an employee?

Education never ends
The answer is “no.” The pace at which things are changing in the world today is unprecedented. Globalisation, the internet and countless other changes make it very important to change and adapt on a personal level as well.

This rapid rate of change is so pronounced that renowned management guru Peter Drucker said: “The growth for education and training will be in continuing adult education. Online delivery is the trigger for this growth, but the demand for lifetime education stems from profound changes in society. We live in an economy where knowledge, not buildings and machinery, is the chief resource and where knowledge-workers make up the biggest part of the work force.”

Adaptability to change is critical
Being able to adapt to change is the biggest reason you should invest in your continuing education. The ability to adapt and be flexible will be, perhaps, your greatest asset throughout your lifetime as you navigate this complex and ever changing new environment.

The current rate of change means that individuals now have to make twice as many lifetime changes than a few decades ago. It also means that more than ever before it is not unusual to find people having to change places of work, specialisation or even careers several times within a lifetime.

Those that can read the signs of the times are at an advantage over those that cling on to old beliefs and views. The individual who will gamble their future on being able to do in 10 or 20 years time the same things they are doing today, and expect to get ahead with the same level of education they have today, has a harsh reality to face when that time comes.

The poor quality of our education systems
I am often disappointed with the quality of education the world over. The one thing that our current global education system fails to impart in its students is the ability to think for themselves. The learning and regurgitation of facts is predominant, except for a few exceptions here and there. As Charles Sullivan observes, “Our students are not taught the skills of critical thinking that would serve them well as citizens in a free society for the entirety of their lives.”

At times this disappointment goes as far as being angry when I consider that I have spent a large part of my life at school without having been taught essential life skills, despite having had what would be considered a “good education.” Fortunately for me, I realised this in time to do something about it and to find ways to educate myself in the areas in which my formal education fell short. This education that I have gained on my own personal effort has been of far more value than any formal education I have had. This is because a lot of the facts we are taught at school can now be easily obtained in a dozen other ways. The internet for one has ensured this. You can learn virtually anything you put your mind to on the internet.

What is a good education?
Education, in my view, should have one predominant aim: to produce individuals that can succeed in life no matter what environment they are placed in, individuals that can think for themselves and question the status quo, set personal goals, achieve them and be able to adapt to change.

Fortunately, this new education paradigm is emerging that values diversity, individuality, questioning as well as answering, and problem-solving skills. The old education paradigm of possession of knowledge from a set curriculum, with the narrow view of intelligence that it entails, is being challenged by many.

Therefore, it is not surprising that the majority of people are good at doing their jobs and what they are trained to do but are absolutely lacking when it comes to making a personal success of themselves outside of their work environment. The education system has taught them so. It is a system that teaches people that success at work is what is important.

I am in agreement with Jon Dewey when he says “The aim of education is to enable individuals to continue their education ... (and) the object and reward of learning is continued capacity for growth.” That personal growth is what enables people to be successful in all spheres of life, not just their careers.

You are your own best teacher
The most valuable education you will ever receive is the education you get on your own. The things the formal education system does not teach you are the very things you need to have success in life.

Your schooling may be over, but remember that your education still continues. Invest in self development products and programmes that will teach you vital life skills such as goal setting, developing a personal vision for your life, financial literacy and so on.

In conclusion, there is no such thing as an education that will last you a lifetime. You should always be aware of the need to continuously grow. That way no matter what changes occur and how things shift you will be able to adapt and will have the capacity to succeed in whatever environment you find yourself in.