Education in British Universities (Essay‪)‬

It is universally recognised that education is vital for the future prosperity of the world, and yet at the present time there are serious defects that merit determined action. I can speak only from my limited experience, which is mainly that of teaching physics and mathematics and leading a research group in Oxford University for about forty years. Still, what I have to say is reinforced by the experience of many others in higher education The principal aim of education is to help the student to grow up, to face reality, to accept the consequences of his actions, and become a well-balanced personality. In more technical subjects the student must learn and understand the basic facts, procedure, and theories that are essential for his future professional life. It is the student who is responsible for his growth in knowledge; the role of the teacher is to inspire, to encourage, and where necessary to correct. The student must be allowed to analyse, criticise and gradually to assimilate ideas, a process to be sharply distinguished from indoctrination.