ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ECCD PROGRAMMES

Lesson 03: Application of educational philosophies / theories to ECE

Swami Dayanand

His aims of education are:

• Formation of character by observing rules of celibacy.
  
• Acquisition of knowledge and wisdom.
  
• Inculcation of love for truth.
  
• Promotion of moral and spiritual values.
  
• Physical development.
  
• Development of spirit of service for humanity.
  
• Role of parents: A man becomes learned and wise only when he has three proper instructors - the mother, the father, and the teacher. Education is a continuous process which begins from the mother’s womb. A pleasant environment should be created from the time of conception. Since the mother is the first teacher she should inculcate in the young child the qualities of cheerfulness, truth, patience and honesty.
  
• Teacher’s role: The Guru becomes the second parent to the child. The teacher should be of good character and set good examples before their students.
  
• Education for all: he believed in free and compulsory education for both boys and girls.
  
  
Views on Pre-Primary Education: Swami Dayanand suggested a non-formal approach to pre-primary education. His views on pre-primary education can be summarized as:

• All efforts should be made to create good “Sanskaras” in the child.
  
• Notable examples should be set by parents.
  
• Mother, father and teacher are the three great tutors.
  
• The mother’s influence on the education of the children is more than that of anyone else.
  
• A mother should ensure that in the speech of the child, letters, syllables, words, conjoined words and stops are quite distinct.
  
• When a child begins to talk and understand a little, he should be taught how to address his superiors and inferiors.