“Like all simple and unsophisticated peoples we Americans have a sublime faith in education” (Counts, 1932). This is the exact line that is written in the first part of the book entitled “Dare the School Build a New Social Order? ” In line with this, it can be clearly seen that the George Counts, the author indeed gives importance to the value of education. As an American, he has this belief that almost all people have a perspective that education is a key ingredient in solving most, if not, all the problems that exist in the society.
Being the case, it is essential that the educational institutions in the United States and in other parts of the world should give quality education that will address the needs of today. However, the present educational system that exists lack the capability to give a progressive education, which is why it is necessary to change the social order of this institution. The author was able to make sound arguments in proving his point that the educational system needs to be reformed.He enumerated ten fallacies that emphasized the wrong notions that most people have about educating and molding the lives of children. In this part of the reading, he was able to make a quite convincing case that is clearly different from the traditional beliefs that most people have.
His perspective about the idea that an individual is not born free could exemplify this. Contrary to the others belief, he asserted that an individual is not born free because he or she has no control over the type of race, religion, family background, economic status, and other factors that he or she will be born into.In relation to this, the culture of the place that he or she will grow up in will be instilled in him or her regardless whether it is voluntary or involuntary. In this sense, it can be seen that the idea that individuals have the freedom of choice and are not being imposed by anything are fallacies (Counts, 1932). As a result the belief that education simply teach children the truth of that exists in the world is not necessary true because one way or another culture will affect the choices that the educational institution makes.In relation to this, the author also highlights that if culture affects education it is also evident that dominant or influential social classes can control this institution.
Those people who possess the means of resources as well as the authority in society have the ability to influence and dictate the process of education (Counts, 1932). This point of view of the author clearly states the reality of things wherein those in the upper class of society often times plays a more influential role as compared with those in the lower classes.As a result they have the ability to use education to their own advantage. To be able to change the order of the educational system, it is proposed that the concept of Progressive Education should be implemented.
The kind of Progressive Education that the author advocated is more goal-oriented and developmental. He suggests that there should be a clear vision of what the educational institution wants its children to learn. In this sense, he emphasize that the main weakness of the educational institution is its lack of vision regarding what perspective the children should have about their society.He is not saying that schools should impose upon the students what they should do with their lives it is more about rearing children to envision a better society and to act for change instead of being a slave to change. The faith that almost all people have with education only proves how important this institution is to the society. Nevertheless, it could only contribute in addressing the problems that exists if its social order will be change.
George Counts is indeed correct when he said that education should focused on building and not merely contemplating about the society in order for it to be effective. Education has the potential to play a vital role in achieving dreams, objectives, and visions as well as molding the society. The educational system should have a new order wherein they have a clear and defined objective that entails giving the students a vision of possibilities that will allow them to look in the future with enthusiasm and determination towards the attainment of that vision.
