The Purpose of Schooling

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Recommended: Reflection on diversity in the classroom

Introduction

As an educator, you easily find yourself with the feeling that you are working in isolation. Working from within your classroom, unsure of what, how or why your colleagues are working. Being able to have an opportunity to step back and critically reflect on yourself is essential if you are to continue to grow within the profession. What are the ‘big ideas’ in education? Who has a greater impact on schooling, the students and their learning needs or state and the policies in which they develop? Do we ever ask ourselves what is the purpose of schooling? Why is the system set up in the way that it is? What role has history played in the development of education systems? This course has encouraged me to reflect on my own beliefs about education. Therefore I feel that the natural place for me to begin to further my understanding of education, is be examining and analyzing the purposes of schooling.

In this paper, I intend to analyze the purposes of schooling by comparing the education in system in Ontario to that of the system in Israel. To complete this analysis I will begin with trying to define the differing purposes of education by establishing a historical context to both educational systems. Next, I will apply Hofstede’s analytical framework further my understanding of the purpose of schooling in Israel and Ontario. This will be followed with an examination of globalization and the impact is has on both educational systems, has globalization altered the purposes of schooling in both countries. Finally, I will try to understand how the information has and will influence my growth as an educator.

Purpose of Schooling

I have always assumed that the basic purpose of schooling was to provide ...

... middle of paper ...

...e promise of diversity Ontario’s equity and inclusive education strategy. Toronto, Ont.: Ontario Ministry of Education. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/policyfunding/equity.pdf

Policy/Program Memorandum No. 119. (2009, June 24). Ministry of Education Retrieved September 5, 2011, from http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/119.html

Skerrett, A. (2008). Racializing Educational Change: Melting Pot and Mosaic Influences on Educational Policy and Practice. Journal of Educational Change, 9, 261-280.

Vision of Hope. (n.d.). Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Retrieved September 13, 2011, from http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=10496&menuid=27835&pageid=23941

Yablon, Y. (2009). Privatization of Religious Public Education in Israel: Enhancing Parents' Educational Goals of Fostering Segregation?. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 13(5), 539-551.

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