Tagore’s view on various aspects of education

by Yuvi - February 1, 2021

Tagore’s view on various aspects of education

(A)          Meaning of Education

                Education as enlightenment: Tagore believed that education is reformatory and expensive process which seeks to unfold all that is good and noble to individual. True knowledge brings enlightenment and self-realization.

Education as developmental process: Tagore stated that educative process consisted of flowering the personality of the children to their maximum.

                Education as harmony: According to Tagore the highest education is that which makes our life in harmony with all existence.

(B)          Aims of education:

Aims of education as per the philosophy of Tagore are as under:-.

  1. Physical development
  2. Moral and spiritual development
  3. Intellectual development
  4. Harmonious development
  5. Purposeful and meaningful education
  6. International understanding
  7. Harmony between individual and social aim.

(C)          Curriculum:

Tagore said that the curriculum should be broad-based. It should cater to the needs of the individual and the society. It should help in the complete development of the individual on one side and on the other hand. It should develop the spirit of Nationalism and Internationalism. He said that the curriculum should consist of subjects of study, activities and actual living.

                Subjects of Study: Languages and literature – Mathematics, Natural Sciences like – Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Health Education, Social Sciences like History, Civics, Economics, Agriculture and Technical subjects, Arts, Music, Dance etc.

                Activities and Occupation: Dancing, Dramatics, Music, Games, Drawing and Painting, Agriculture & Gardening, Excursions, Regional Study, Laboratory work, Social service etc.

(D)          Method of teaching:

Tagore criticized the educational methods prevalent in those days, calling them lifeless, imaginary, foreign, bookish, mechanical, stereotyped and unsuitable. Tagore emphasized following methods of teaching – .

1)            Teaching while walking: He believed that history geography and many social subjects could be best taught through frequent excursions and tours.

2)            Debate and discussion method: Another method recommended by Tagore is debate and discussion method.

3)            Heuristic method: The most important method which is used in Shantiniketan is, the heuristic method. In this method, first of all the pupil ask questions and the teacher satisfies them by his mature answers. Later on the teacher asks questions to test the comprehension of the pupils.

(E)          Discipline:

Tagore did not like the theory of strict and harsh discipline. He was not at all in favour of any type of suppressions. He wanted free environment, freedom of mind and freedom in learning. The teacher should have a good deal of sympathy and love for the child. That will really teach the child and that will pace the child on the right task. It will make the child self-disciplined. So self-disciplined learners are the heart-felt desire of this great educationist.

(F)          Teacher:

The teacher plays a very significant role in the education of the child. He is Guru and he is expected to understand fully his disciples – the learners. Only a good leaner can be a good teacher. A real teacher is able to inspire and is ever ready to guide his students.

                Tagore rightly says, “He who has lost the child in himself is absolutely unfit for the great work of educating the children.” .

He further says – “A lamp can never light another lamp unless it continues to burn its own flame.” .

(G)         Women Education:

Tagore was the greatest protagonist of women education. He was greatly shocked to see the deteriorating condition of the education. In order to improve this condition, he advocated for the women education. In the field of education, there should be no difference between men and women, boys and girls.

(H)         Spiritual and Religious Education:

Tagore emphasized spiritual and religious education. It will enable man to communicate with God. It is through moral, spiritual and religious education that the individual will realize his best self and live like a man. It will lead to satisfaction of mind and the peace of soul.

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