Topic 9: education is of vital importance to individual development and social progress. What should education consist of in order to fulfill both ends? (p 86)
Education is so critical because not only is it a golden opportunity for students to improve themselves in an all-round way, but it paves the way for a country’s future development in every arena, such as economy, science and culture. Therefore, education should include many vital things other than mere academic guidance.

To begin with, to fulfill the aims of preparing the students for their future career as well as sustaining the continuous progress of the society, education should also involve the cultivation of qualities like self-learning ability and critical and innovative thinking etc. From the perspective of individuals, to excel in the modern society which is characterized by fierce competition one should never be satisfied with the knowledge taught in school. They need to update their skills through self-education and get acquainted with the latest information, so that they are able to play the leading role among the peers. What’s more, students should be encouraged to think critically and innovatively so as to achieve great breakthroughs in their fields of study. Passive knowledge recipients can hardly take initiatives and obtain groundbreaking accomplishments. And with elitists who are keen in learning and critical thinking, the society is guaranteed to develop at a fascinating speed.

Besides, noble virtues such as honesty and punctuality should also be taken into consideration. These intangible assets distinguish the students from the others, and are able to win trust and confidence from supervisors and clients. Thus, these virtues are priceless values added to their academic learning. The development of a society calls for genuine cooperation and harmony among its people. No society can develop if all its citizens are engaged in a rat race for personal gains with on regard for each other. With a lowering of moral and ethical standard, people start to scramble for their personal interest at all cost. Fraud, bribery and corruption become rampant. Therefore, it is the school’s responsibility to inculcate noble virtues in the young minds.

To sum up, education should consist of academic learning and the cultivation of good qualities and virtues. By achieving these goals, both the individuals and the society can be benefited in the long-run.