In contemporary society, the role of education has become a widely debated issue. While some people argue that its main goal is to develop critical thinking, others maintain that academic studies should prepare pupils for employment. In my opinion, although both perspectives are understandable, developing analytical thinking appears to be the more convincing position in the long run.
One argument in favour of education helping learners achieve a job is that they are aware of the process beforehand. This mainly happens because teachers give them a fair idea about the profession theoretically, which ultimately leads to achieving higher confidence in taking that role. In addition, many universities provide practical knowledge that could further improve their performance in real life. A clear example of this can be observed in skilled trade professionals, such as a microbiologist, where the laboratory practicals prepare them to work in industry post their graduation. As a result, many people consider the role of education in imparting job skills to be highly beneficial.
On the contrary, others believe that developing critical thinking is a more practical approach. This perspective becomes increasingly convincing when students, who are unsure about their career, are taken into consideration; consequently, many individuals argue that cultivating a skill that is transferable to any job offers more reliable outcomes. Furthermore, such skills can not only shape their personality but also contribute to personal development. For instance, one can easily tackle their life problem if they are trained to think critically. Therefore, supporters of this viewpoint consider learning analytical skills to be a more effective approach.
To conclude, both perspectives regarding academic studies present convincing arguments. While one side emphasizes that it should prepare children to take a specific future role, the other highlights the importance of developing critical thinking. Consequently, this issue is likely to remain a subject of continued discussion in the future. Therefore, its overall impact should be carefully considered in the long term.v