by Gabby Bugwadia

Created on: March 16, 2010   Last Updated: March 30, 2010

Good education aims at nurturing the mind, fostering individuality and developing one's personality. However, we need to bear one important basic principle: The aim of good education is not merely to prepare the child for life, it is more so to provide him effective tools for living a fuller and happier life. On this basic concept, lies the elements of good education.

Basic education begins in the home, long before formal education takes place in schools and colleges. Parents who are naturally the child's first  teachers, can be most effective for their children's academic growth. Parental support and encouragement are one of the most crucial elements to learning. Teaching by example and encouraging the growing child's natural interest in learning, is the key to incorporating good education in the daily lives of children.

Now let us examine some of the important elements of good education:

* Development of the mind

Development of the mind is the basis of a child's intellectual growth. True value of education lies primarily in how well it enables the child to think out solutions to problems independently. While imparting knowledge, it would be most beneficial to create and encourage the child’s interest in learning. This implies following the child’s natural bent of mind and allowing each child to freely develop his/her potential. Variety of teaching methods sparks the child's interest, and enhances the educational process making learning meaningful.

 * Development of character

The development of character which includes behavior and social skills are better indicators of success in children than any amount of knowledge gained. This is an important element of good education. Character-building can be reinforced in the home where basic values like honesty, kindness and empathy are taught and instilled right from the early stage of child's development. These could also be effectively reinforced and incorporated in schools by the teachers.

* Development of moral consciousness

The basics of moral consciousness can be introduced first in homes by parents themselves. Children need to be morally conscious about the good and bad behavior options they encounter from time to time. They need to be morally responsible for their behavior and understand, that rights also entail responsibilities. They need to learn the importance of behaving well at all times. Doing so, would most certainly enhance their educational experience.

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