Education Process: Bi-polar, Tri-polar, Multi-polar; Life-long Process
Introduction
Education is not limited to schools or books. It is a continuous process that begins at birth and continues throughout life.
It is also a social process, involving different people and agencies. The process of education has evolved from bi-polar (two-person) to multi-polar (many influences).
Bi-polar Process of Education
Meaning:
The Bi-polar process includes two main elements:
Teacher (Educator)
Student (Learner)
Here, education is seen as a direct interaction between teacher and student.
Explanation:
The teacher gives knowledge.
The student receives it.
Focus is on the transfer of knowledge.
Limitations:
The student is seen as passive.
It ignores the role of society and environment.
Example (Indian context):
In traditional Indian Gurukuls, Guru and Shishya relationship was bi-polar. The teacher was the center of all learning.
Tri-polar Process of Education
Meaning:
The Tri-polar process includes:
Teacher
Student
Society (Social Environment)
This theory was given by John Dewey – a famous American educationist.
Explanation:
The teacher guides.
The student learns actively.
The society provides values, customs, experiences that influence learning.
Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself – John Dewey
Importance:
Learner becomes active and responsible.
Society plays an important role in shaping attitudes and values.
Example (Indian context):
Indian classrooms today include lessons on social issues, environment, health, gender equality – showing the role of society in education.
Multi-polar Process of Education
Meaning:
Modern education is a multi-polar process. It involves many agencies and influences such as:
|
Poles/Agencies |
Role in Education |
|
Teacher |
Formal teaching |
|
Student |
Active
participant |
|
Society |
Provides real-life
learning |
|
Parents |
First
educators, guide moral values |
|
Media (TV,
Internet) |
Spreads knowledge
quickly |
|
Peers and Friends |
Help social
learning |
|
Government &
Policy |
Frame syllabus, laws
(RTE, NEP) |
Explanation:
A child learns not just in school, but also from home, community, internet, social media, and surroundings.
The learner becomes a self-directed explorer.
Example (Indian context):
NEP 2020 promotes flexible and multi-source learning: Digital learning, community participation, and local knowledge.
Education as a Life-Long Process
Meaning:
Learning is not limited to a particular age, place, or institution.
It continues from birth to death and happens in different ways.
Types of Education in Life-long Learning:
Type Description
Formal Education In schools and colleges
Informal Education Learning from family, society, TV, books
Non-formal Education Adult education, skill training, open schools
Importance:
Helps people upgrade skills at any age
Supports personal and professional growth
Builds a learning society
Indian Examples:
Adult Education Mission in rural India
SWAYAM, DIKSHA, and MOOCs for online learning
6. Comparison Table – Bipolar, Tripolar, and Multipolar
|
Aspect |
Bi-polar |
Tri-polar |
Multi-polar |
|
Focus |
Teacher & Student |
Teacher, Student,
Society |
All possible
influences on learner |
|
Learner Role |
Passive |
Active |
Fully active,
independent |
|
Society Role |
Ignored |
Important |
Central and diverse |
|
Indian Example |
Traditional
Gurukul |
Social value
education in schools |
NEP 2020,
Online platforms, Peer learning |
7. Conclusion
Education is a dynamic, evolving process.
It started as a simple teacher-student interaction, then included society, and now has become a multi-polar and life-long process with many influences.
In today’s world, a student learns from teachers, society, parents, technology, and real-life experiences.
A teacher must be ready to guide learners in this multi-dimensional journey.
“Today’s education must prepare students not just for exams, but for life.”
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