Factors of Education
The data of education comprises four factors namely, the child, heredity, environment and time.
Child: The child is the foremost important factor in education. Each child is different from the other in physical, mental and social abilities as well as in his interests, aptitudes and attitudes. Hence, his natural development is possible only according to his innate powers. The full development of the child necessitates proper and comprehensive knowledge of his nature.
Heredity: The heredity of the child is the combination of mental and physical characteristics. It constitutes the basis of education. The maximum possible development of the child depends upon the potential existing in his innate and inherited qualities. Education can be imparted to a child only according to his inherited qualities. It is not possible to make a child an artist if he has not inherited any aesthetic interest or inclination. Thus, the basis of education is formed by inherited characteristics.
Environment: The environment is the third important constituent of education. Every child is born in a family at a particular place and time. So, the upbringing and development of each child takes place in a physical and social environment which plays a vital role in his development. The environmentalists hold the view that as the child gradually comes into contact with the material and social environments, his innate tendencies flower out and his behaviour starts to change step-by-step. They believe that education is a process based on and conditioned by the environment in which the child is brought up. For example, it is the environment which makes a child musician an artist, a teacher, a policeman, a lawyer etc.
Time: This is the fourth important factor of education which determines specific activities indulged in by the child during the process of his development. Education should correspond and suit the mental level of the child, otherwise it will mar his mature development and create complexes. Therefore, education to be really effective should correspond to its plans and programmes according to the growth of the child.
