Foundations of Education

"The debate about the purposes of [Ontario] schooling was born with the schools themselves. Was it training for work, for individual fulfilment, as a preparation for citizenship, [or] to infuse a sense of patriotism?"

- 1994 Ontario Royal Commission on Learning


The next three weeks of the course each explore the following question from different perspectives: What is the primary role and purpose of education?:

Week 8: Education for Economic Development - The primary role and purpose of education is to ensure that Ontario is economically competitive with other provinces and countries by graduating a well-trained and educated workforce. (Focus on: society.)

Week 9: Education for Social Equity - The primary role and purpose of education is to ensure educational equity for traditionally under-serviced and marginalized groups, including women and girls, racialized students, and economically disadvantaged children and youth. (Focus on: social group.)

Week 10: Education for Personal Development - The primary role and purpose of education is to ensure that each individual student has the opportunity to fulfill his or her unique potential by making personally meaningful choices related to one's learning. (Focus on: self.)

In Week 11, the Fall term capstone assignment is introduced which asks you to draw on the Week 8, 9, and 10 content as you consider this question for yourself:

What is the primary role and purpose of education?