Social dimensions may refer to all obstacles to access,
progress and completion in education – with the strongest emphasis on barriers
to access to education. Social dimensions is a wide concept, encompassing
several factors.
These include obstacle to
access created by tuition fees, the structural discrimination towards
marginalized groups in education, based on socio-economic factor’s cultural or
ethnic background, or physical disabilities.
Education should play a strong role in fostering social
cohesion, reducing inequalities and raising the level of knowledge, skills and
competences in society. Based on the societal aspiration that the student body
entering, participating in an completing in education at all levels should
reflect the diversity of our populations. It reaffirms the importance of
students being able to complete their studies without obstacles related to
their social and economic background.
THE FOUR PILLARS OF LEARNING
The United Nations Educational and Scientific Organization
(UNESCO) has identified the four pillars of learning as follows:
1. Learning to Know
It is a means for people to learn to understand the world
around them. It is necessary for them to lead their lives with some dignity,
develop their occupational skills and communicate with other people. Regarded
as an end, it is underpinned by the pleasure that can derived from
understanding, knowledge and discovery. That aspect of learning is typically
enjoyed by researchers, but good teaching can help everyone to enjoy it.
2. Learning to Do
This area is closely
associated with the issue of occupational training: how do we adapt education
so that it can equip people to do the types of work needed in the future? It
emphasizes the knowledge component of tasks, even in industry, as well as the
importance of services in the economy.
3. Learning to live together
The purpose is to teach pupils
and students about human diversity and to instill in then an awareness of the
similarities and interdependence of all people. Thus,
teaching the history of
religious or customs can provide a useful reference tool for molding future
behavior.
4. Learning to Be
The fundamental principle is
that education should contribute to every person’s complete development – mind
and body, intelligence, sensitivity, aesthetic appreciation and spirituality.
More than ever, the essential task of education seems to make sure that all
people enjoy the freedom of thought, judgement, feeling and imagination to
develop their talents and keep control of as much of their lives as they can.