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Need for the new approach to learning in Globalisation.

Theoretical Education vs Practical Education

Cultural, economic, and societal change creates a need for different approaches to education. Globalization i.e. increasing international interdependence requires restructuring the existing theoretical style of education to practical education.

Let’s evaluate both approaches to learning.

Theoretical Education 

Theoretical Education focuses on in-depth knowledge of any subject or topic without any practical experience. It makes the student a verbal expert on the topic. Any knowledge gained theoretically can be remembered for a limited time – a few days or months. In this type of education, the focus is not on learning or understanding the topic but to secure marks in the exams. It’s the easiest way to pass the exam and to top them. Students study just before the exam and do not gain in-depth knowledge of the subject. This type of education is responsible for unemployment and a lack of skilled labor. When it comes to professional life – practical experience and knowledge together are necessary. In competitive exams also, more than theoretical knowledge, logical reasoning & cognitive skills are evaluated. Hence, minimal pass percentage despite exponential applications made.

Practical Education 

Practical-Learning means knowledge gained by implementing theory in real-life activities. This way of learning helps students to remember the topic for a long time and also master it. Practical-learning makes the study more fun and engaging for students. Practical-learning based exams show the actual intellect of students, unlike the marks obtained by mugging up a night before. That’s why Math, which is a practical subject, is compulsory for most of the competitive exams. It is a myth that Practical-learning is only useful for technical or management students. Like, History students can visit a museum (even virtual museum) or location of the topic to gain more knowledge than textbooks and will also remember longer. They can also identify if History is of interest to them and may pursue a career in History related professions. The same applies to Geography, international languages, and other subjects. Practical-Learning assists students in identifying their real interests and choose a career accordingly. Students are more likely to succeed in the career of their choice. This style of teaching creates more skilled labor and entrepreneurs. 

Practical Education is gaining popularity nowadays and has below advantages –

• Do not require mugging up
• Knowledge gained retains for longer
• A better understanding of the topic
• Imparts life skills
• Deals with the real-life situation
• Motivates teamwork
• Career planning
• Emotional Intelligence

Theoretical Education is ‘I KNOW’ while Practical Education is ‘I CAN DO’. Knowing the recipe of samosa is different from actually cooking a samosa. The intellect, skills, and knowledge of students’ world over acquiring practical learning are more or less consistent that makes it comfortable for them to go anywhere in the world and easily adapt to the new environment whether at University for higher education or at work. 

– Sunaina Sharma

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text.

कायस्थानांसमुत्पत्ति (Kayasthanamsamutpatti) – Kayastha Utpatti with Hindi

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Thanks for writing this amazing article, I want my child to sit on the cycle & ride it while she understands the mechanics of the cycling process. I still remember those few lessons which my school thought us practically. Practical education stays in mind forever. After some research, I found that Queen Mira Internation School in Madurai has everything I was looking for my son.

If anyone is looking for the best CBSE school in Madurai city that gives practical education – You must check Queen Mira International School.

Queen Mira International School is the best CBSE school in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. As it is the first-ever CBSE school in the world with CIS accreditation. For high-quality learning, global citizenship & international safety standards you must choose Queen Mira in Madurai. Children studying here get a perfect canvas to explore their inner capabilities.

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Impact of Practical Learning on Students

Do you think practical learning can have a profound impact on students? Don’t you think doing things practically can improve learning experiences? It’s observed and scientifically proven that practical learning helps students in retaining information for a longer period of time. Practical learning improves understanding of the concept in a better way than hearing. At an early age, students start learning practically with various activities such as playing outdoor and indoor activities, creating models and structures, even by observing things in their surroundings, etc. 

It’s quite a practical way of learning by doing. Can you imagine someone teaching you how to ride a bicycle, swimming, playing cricket? Now consider all these activities not practically but within four walls or through a textbook or say on a projector? Do you think it’s possible for you to learn these activities via the latter mode?

If you want to learn these activities then doing them practically will be a better option. Until you practically perform the action, you may not be able to learn to swim, ride or play cricket. We all know that practical learning is more important than theoretical learning for all students. Practical learning in the school is basically performing experiments in laboratories, study tours, projects, assignments, etc. Let us look into the purpose and effect of practical learning on students.

What is the purpose of ‘Practical Learning’?

The main purpose of practical learning is to engage students and develop important skills. It helps students to learn and remember things clearly. Here are a few points on the purpose of practical learning for students.

• Learning by doing things can help in retaining information for longer 
• Practically learning is quick and easy
• It encourages students for self-learning
• Students can easily get comfortable with equipment while learning 
• Provides perfection to the students in all the aspects of learning
• Gives a better learning environment for students 
• Helps student to understand theory in a much better way 
• Group activities develop social values like sharing, cooperation, teamwork, compassion, etc

What is the impact of Practical Learning on students?

Practical learning is a task in which students observe and do things by themselves. It can be different from reading and listening for students. It helps you get hands-on experience in the learning activities. You can become very confident and competent.

In today’s world, there are also students who do not know what to do with their careers as they do not have practical knowledge and are always dependent on the class they attend. We should understand the importance of practical learning at an early age. Students should be givendom of learning with real-life situations. So that they analyze and observe the situation and learn from it.

Practical learning should be made an integral part of the learning process. One can excel in theories only when they have good practical knowledge. Practical learning can help them in theories and perform well in academics. The skills developed during the schools are always embedded in their minds. These skills will help them to choose the career of their choice and excel in it.

Practical learning develops a deeper understanding of the concept through personal experience. There are a lot of things that you can only learn by doing things, for example, riding a cycle, driving a car, swimming and many more. Here are a few effects of practical learning on students.

Enhances Learning

Few students are lucky enough in reading and memorizing information to gain knowledge. But what about the students who lack in memorizing or we can say mugging. Also mugging the chapters or syllabus can cause a lot of pressure and stress. In such cases, practical learning can help students in understanding the concept rather than memorizing the information. With this, they will be able to learn effectively and improve their academic performance

Retains information for Longer Period 

Sometimes when you are reading a lesson, you tend to remember information for a short period of time. You try to memorize long paragraphs, theorems but always forget during the exam. But if you try practically learning in the form of experiments, field trips, projects and assignments, the whole practical experience can stay in your mind for a long time and help you in exams.

Develops Understanding 

Practical learning can help students in understanding the concept better. Let me explain to you with an example, if you are studying a chapter of plant grafting and its procedure in the class. You will only be able to imagine the process but not understand the concept. You might read and memorize the process but cannot understand how it is done until you see practically. In this case, you can go to a farm or nursery and see the plant grafting process directly because what you see will remain in your mind for a long time.

Practice Teaches Perfection

We have been using this quote everywhere, but are we really applying it? Reading can help you remember things but not for a long time. It can only be done through practice. For instance, you are putting a lot of effort into learning a new language by reading but that will not work until you speak or converse with other people. Whatever you read will be forgotten soon. You have to keep practicing until you are perfect with the language.

Simplifying Complex Knowledge

You will be able to consolidate the complex scientific knowledge into simpler ones. Practical learning can help you to understand the subject in a much better way. 

You can develop team-building skills with practical learning. With this, there is the possibility of working together and sharing knowledge with each other.

How can teachers help students in Practical Learning?

Teachers are the driving force behind the success of students. There are a few lists of things that teachers need to develop practical learning in schools for students.

• Encourage students to participate in learning activities
• Take them for educational tours
• Demonstrate concept practically in the class or outside the classroom
• Keep innovative and creative materials in the classroom for teaching 
• Give projects and assignments related to the syllabus 
• Conduct innovative games in the classroom
• Provide general instructions and protocols to the students on experiments
• Create a learning environment for students in laboratories
• Provide hands-on training for each student in the laboratories 
• Storytelling  and plays can help students in better understanding
• Create activities that are skill-based for students that can help students to think about the jobs in the future 
• Conduct some observational activities that can improve their observation skills and help in better understanding of the concept
• Give some technological tasks so that students can apply logical thinking and innovate new ideas

We should think of creating and innovating new ideas of practical learning for all the students of K12 in their school. School authorities and teachers should develop practical learning methods for their students. Learning these skills will help students to understand the concept better and perform well in academics.

The practical learning can differ from class to class. Let us take some examples for explanations – 

In Montessori schools, students should be given enough time to choose and manage their activities. Thedom given to the students can lead to functioning skills such as initiation, planning, emotional control, etc. 

In Elementary schools, students can be given tasks of building small scale models or structures with the materials found in their surroundings. With each class, activities can increase that can engage the students in their natural surroundings. 

In Higher Secondary schools, students can start developing their own ideas and projects. They can create some big projects or take up field works such as developing small businesses, farming, visiting industries, etc. 

Impact of Practical Learning – A Way Forward

Practical learning empowers students to achieve something that he has been studying throughout his life. It is really important for developing knowledge and skills. Practical education enhances the learning experience, builds teamwork, confidence, develops understanding and retains information for long periods of time.

We hope that this article on ‘Impacts of Practical Learning on Students’ has been useful for you. In case, you have some other ideas or need other suggestions, comment in the box below. We will like to cover it in our next article.

Also Read – Ways to Improve Learning Outcomes

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Education Blog

10 Reasons why Practical Education is more Important than Theoretical

5 February, 2016

Practical education is gaining popularity nowadays.

Education is significant and must be acquired by all in order to gain knowledge and learn skills. It is the only key that can develop a whole generation of responsible human beings who can absorb good teachings and can impart it to many others.   It teaches us about various things and opens up a vast variety of career options in front of us which one cannot opt for if left uneducated. Education can be imparted in a theoretical way or in a practical manner. But out of these two which is more benefiting for the student and what should we value more.

• It does not require mugging up

Some people have an innate talent of remembering everything that read, even if they have read it once. But others have to cram it very hard in order to retain it. And theoretical knowledge can involve lots of mugging up. If you don’t want your child to become a bookworm, always lost in a pile of books, then practical education must be supplemented with theoretical teaching. When we are practically looking at things and experiencing it, we do not need to cram it from a book. Not mugging up takes off loads of pressure form a student’s brain thus helping in the learning process and also for relieving stress from over their heads.

• Knowledge retains in our mind

When we are cramming a lesson for a test, our brain tends to remember it for a short while, which can be shorter than the duration of your test thus not serving that purpose also because our brain forgets it easily. You try too hard to learn a theorem or an explanation word to word by heart but always forget upon something. While doing it practically, it can be in form of experiments, real life projects or educational trips, the knowledge and the whole learning experience stays in our mind for long.

• Develops a better Understanding

Could you have ever understood the reflection of light had you not seen a mirror? Just by reading about a phenomenon or a lesson, it cannot get straight to your mind even though it may be explained in the best manner. You actually got to see it happening in front of your eyes and not by hearing it in somebody else’s words. Practical knowledge can help a lot over here because it is all there. Be it understanding the phenomenon of physics or dwelling in literature. According to author the song of a nightingale is magnificent but how would you know that unless you listen to it with your own ears?

• Includes practice

Reading a lesson over and over again can be of little help. But performing activities or experiments based on it involves practice and you have heard it right, “Practice makes a man perfect”. Go on reading a guide book for a new language without speaking that language at all and you will see no progress. But start using that language and try conversing with other people and you’ll see the change. You will see improvement. So just sitting in a corner with a book or listening to a lecture has no practice involved unless the theoretical teaching is converted into practical activities.

• Improves skills

Training and exercise are meant to improve your skills which cannot be obtained by just theoretical knowledge. Theory can provide one with oodles of expertise and proficiency but it can never deliver those kinds of results and improved skills that you can get from practical education. Again, reading a chapter of engineering won’t help but doing experiments will surely do and will improve your engineering skills.

• Involves application and deals with real life situations

Learning about facts and theories are not really of any use unless you are aware of their application in real life situation. I spent whole of my middle school wondering that what purpose it solves by knowing Sine theta square plus cosine theta square equals one. But when introduced to its applications I realized what importance trigonometry holds in architecture and its related fields. So unless you are applying your theoretical knowledge to real life situations through practical experiments theory doesn’t hold much good and you will keep wondering that why you are studying that particular topic.

• It is more interesting

Field trips, projects, experiments, don’t they interest you more than books, assignments and lectures? Am sure they do because they are so much more interesting and engrossing than reading your regular bookish material.

• Interesting => Easy

Obviously, when you find something interesting and have got your heart in it does seem easy. And especially when learning through practical sources instead of conventional theoretical ones, the leaning process does become comparatively easier. So why not put more stress on practical means? Also while you are doing something practically, it reaches your brain more effectively making it easier to understand, apply and remember.

• Can motivate team work

While imparting practical knowledge to students, most of the activities involve team projects or programs where students are required to work in a group or as a team. For one, it improves a student’s ability to interact with his/her fellow students and encourage them all for team work. For another, it also makes the learning process more fun as students are able to grasp more while learning it in a group. They tend to have fun in each other’s company and the whole teaching process becomes less boring and more fun. And you learn more while having fun.

• Interactive Education creates a Deeper Impact

Practical education is way more interactive than theoretical. It does not involve just teaching and lecturing irrespective of whether the student is able to understand the concepts or not. Theoretical education usually employs teachers who teach in a plain manner or books which may or may not include interactive exercises. Whereas in practical works, inputs from students are not just invited but are also necessary. Interactive sessions, experiments, interactive exercises, are important features of practical education which ensure the involvement of students, making them learn and understand more. And learning is the fundamental purpose of education, so in order to improve the leaning level, more importance should be given to practical education rather than theory.

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Practical Learning – The Best Way Forward

• What is practical education?
• Importance of practical learning in today’s education system
• Benefits and advantages of practical learning

Practical education is more of a hands-on learning experience and eliminates the total dependence on books and theory.

Practical learning can be interchangeably used to mean experiential learning. It refers “learning through doing.” Though theoretical knowledge is also necessary, practical knowledge has many advantages.

In this article we discuss the importance of practical learning and its various advantages.

Over the past few years, the education system has undergone a massive metamorphosis. Education today has become more inclusive.

The international and Indian education system has become broad and comprehensive. For years together, educationists have mooted over the pros and cons of theory based learning and have now come up with an ideal system that involves both practical as well as theoretical learning.

Let’s Look at What the Two Systems of Learning Entail

1. theoretical system of education.

In this theoretical system of education, learning is more bookish. Students are required to read textbooks and other reference material throughout their academic years.

Though this system of education has been in practice for centuries together, the need for change was felt. This system was proving a failure when it came to filling the industrial gaps.

2. Practical System of Education

Practical system of education as the name suggests is more experience based. Students are trained to work on site.

This system of learning was developed after realising that graduating students were unable to handle the practicalities of the real industry.

As industries began to develop, the requirements of the industries began to evolve. Industries were now looking for skilled personnel. Practical training became so important, that it soon became a part of the education system.

Many times, practical learning is the only way to learn something. For example, learning to swim or drive a car cannot be learned within the four walls of a classroom. Practical training is the only way to learn these skills.

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The Importance of Practical Training to Students

1. retains information for a longer period of time.

As a student you might have experienced this yourself. While learning for an examination, you cram up all the theory and forget it as soon as your examination is over.

However practical learning of the same theory will be something that will remain in your knowledge for a very long time.

2.Active Learning

The importance of practical learning can be seen in the fact that practical learning is more active than theoretical based learning which is more passive in nature.

For example, to understand a lesson in English, rather than listening to the teacher narrating the story, students must be encouraged to enact the story.

This way students can visualise the narration. This has a greater impact on the knowledge of students than a monotonous narration.

3. Engaging

Practical or experiential learning is a very engaging mode of learning. Students are kept occupied with activities. When students are engaged in some form of activity, it seldom gives rise to boredom.

4. Developing Fine Motor Skills

In early education, practical learning is one of the best ways to promote and develop fine motor skills.

It is the coordination of small muscles in movement with the eyes, usually involving the synchronisation of hands and fingers.

The complex levels of manual dexterity that humans exhibit can be attributed to and demonstrated in tasks controlled by the nervous system.

Fine motor skills aid in the growth of intelligence and develop continuously throughout the stages of human development.

5. Eliminates the Process of Mugging

One of the advantages of practical learning is that it eliminates the disadvantage of mugging or by hearting in theoretical learning.

Mugging concepts is a very short lived process. Students tend to remember concepts only for the purpose of scoring good grades .

However, the idea behind practical learning is that students must retain the concepts beyond examinations.

Experiential learning is quick and easy to grasp unlike theory which may take hours to learn.

6. Encourages Self Learning

Experiential learning allows students to explore. It gives an opportunity to students to understand and follow instructions.

In theoretical learning students wait for teachers to explain the subject, but in experiential learning, students are encouraged to read, understand and work on experiments.

It also allows students to rework on an experiment if the desired results are not achieved. Self learning is one of the best benefits of practical learning.

7. More Interactive Sessions

Practical learning is more interactive. In a theory based classroom, the teacher teaches and the students are required to listen .

Whereas in a practical environment, students are more likely to work in teams and interact with friends and peers during the course of the experiment. Practical education encourages team building activities amongst students.

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8. Industry Ready

Another reason why practical learning is important is that it gives students the opportunity to feel and work with equipment.

It is like a training ground for the real industry. In such a competitive world, industries are now looking for well experienced and skilled staff.

The more students acquaint themselves with practical learning, the better the chances of being industry ready.

9. Practice Makes Man Perfect

To take a simple example of learning to ride a bicycle, you can not perfect yourself on the first day of learning to ride a bicycle.

It requires days or even weeks of practical training before you can perfect your balance. Practical learning gives students this opportunity to perfect themselves each time.

10. Inter Relation with Theory

Though practical education is important, theory can not be ignored. However, theory based education is made easier with the help of experiential learning.

Understanding the theory of a particular concept can be enriched with practical examples and hands-on experiences.

For example learning the working of a light bulb can be learned in theory and enhanced by a practical demonstration of the same.

The importance of practical training to students helps students to understand the theory better.

11. Career Planner

If you are unaware of what is in store for you in future, practical learning can give you a small peek into the future. Experiential learning lets you experience your career right at the college or school level.

12. Helps You Envision Real Life Situations

Practical learning experiences allow you to confront real life situations that you may encounter in the future. For example, learning the pythagorean theorem may seem futile in your school days.

However, the theory has value when you start your career as an architect or an engineer. The theory is used to calculate altitude and other heights of structures.

This is where the pythagorean theory  is put to practical use. The importance of practical learning can be seen when you face real life situations that use the concepts you have learned.

Simulation Based Learning and Practical Learning

Simulation based learning is almost like the real thing. Have you seen a simulator? Even if you have not seen one in real life, you might have noticed in movies.

Especially in movies about space where astronauts are trained in simulators before being sent on voyages in space.

These simulators give you a real life experience of what you might encounter when you face the real thing. Simulators are also used for pilot training.

Simulation based learning is another version of practical learning. The idea behind simulation based and practical based learning is to give a hands-on experience to the learner.

True education is a perfect blend of practical learning with theory based concepts. Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.

Learning is more effective when it is active rather than passive. It is said that only practical work and experience can lead the young to maturity.

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Essay on Education

Here we have shared the Essay on Education in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Education in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Education in 150 words

Essay on education in 250-300 words, essay on education in 500-1000 words.

Education is the key to personal growth, social development, and societal progress. It encompasses formal education provided through schools and institutions, as well as informal and lifelong learning. Education equips individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of life and contribute meaningfully to society.

Education empowers individuals, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation. It promotes social mobility, reduces poverty, and fosters social cohesion. Through education, individuals develop the ability to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and fulfill their potential.

Furthermore, education is a catalyst for positive change. It encourages individuals to question the status quo, explore new ideas, and contribute to the betterment of society. By investing in education, we invest in the future, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to address global challenges, drive innovation, and build a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Education is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or geographical location. It is through education that we can create a more equitable, prosperous, and harmonious society.

Education is the cornerstone of personal and societal development. It equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of life and contribute meaningfully to society. In its broadest sense, education encompasses formal schooling, informal learning, and lifelong learning.

Formal education, provided through schools and institutions, lays the foundation for intellectual, social, and emotional growth. It imparts essential knowledge, promotes critical thinking, and develops skills that are essential for success in various fields.

However, education goes beyond the classroom. Informal learning occurs through everyday experiences, interactions, and self-directed exploration. It allows individuals to acquire practical skills, adaptability, and a broader understanding of the world.

Lifelong learning is a continuous process that extends beyond formal education. It involves the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth throughout one’s life, enabling individuals to adapt to changing circumstances, embrace new opportunities, and contribute to a dynamic society.

Education empowers individuals, enabling them to overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and fulfill their potential. It plays a vital role in promoting social mobility, reducing poverty, and fostering social cohesion.

Moreover, education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, which are essential for progress and development. It encourages individuals to question the status quo, explore new ideas, and contribute to positive change.

In conclusion, education is an indispensable tool for personal growth and societal progress. It encompasses formal, informal, and lifelong learning, providing individuals with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to navigate the complexities of life. By investing in education, we invest in the future, empowering individuals and communities to create a better world.

Title: Education – Empowering Minds, Shaping Futures

Introduction :

Education is a powerful tool that empowers individuals, shapes futures, and drives societal progress. It encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, development of skills, and cultivation of values that prepare individuals for personal and professional success. This essay delves into the importance of education, its key elements, and its transformative impact on individuals and societies.

The Power of Education

Education is a transformative force that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. It equips them with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute meaningfully to society. Education cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of adapting to a rapidly changing world.

Formal Education

Formal education, provided through schools, colleges, and universities, forms the foundation of a person’s educational journey. It involves structured learning environments, standardized curricula, and certified qualifications. Formal education imparts core subjects such as mathematics, science, languages, and humanities, along with important life skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical analysis.

Informal and Lifelong Learning

Education goes beyond formal settings. Informal learning occurs through daily experiences, interactions, and observations. It includes practical skills acquired through apprenticeships, mentorships, and on-the-job training. Lifelong learning, on the other hand, is a continuous process that extends beyond formal education. It involves self-directed learning, personal development, and the pursuit of knowledge throughout one’s life.

The Role of Education in Society

Education plays a crucial role in social development and progress. It promotes social mobility, empowering individuals to transcend socioeconomic barriers and improve their quality of life. Education fosters social cohesion by nurturing understanding, empathy, and tolerance among diverse groups of individuals. It also contributes to economic growth by producing a skilled workforce, fostering innovation, and driving entrepreneurship.

Education for Personal Development

Education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge; it is also a journey of personal growth and self-discovery. It helps individuals develop their unique talents, interests, and passions. Education cultivates values such as integrity, responsibility, and empathy, shaping individuals into ethical and compassionate members of society. Furthermore, it nurtures self-confidence, self-awareness, and resilience, equipping individuals with the tools to overcome challenges and thrive in a competitive world.

Challenges and Opportunities in Education

Despite the transformative power of education, there are numerous challenges that need to be addressed. Access to quality education remains unequal, particularly for marginalized communities and disadvantaged regions. Gender disparities in education persist, limiting opportunities for girls and women. Furthermore, the rapid advancement of technology necessitates adapting educational systems to prepare individuals for the demands of the digital age.

However, there are also exciting opportunities in education. Technology has the potential to revolutionize learning, making education accessible, interactive, and personalized. Blended learning models, online platforms, and open educational resources offer new avenues for education. Emphasizing holistic education, including social and emotional development, promotes well-rounded individuals capable of addressing complex global challenges.

Conclusion :

Education is a transformative force that empowers individuals, shapes futures, and drives societal progress. It goes beyond formal schooling, encompassing informal and lifelong learning. Education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, equipping individuals with the skills to navigate an ever-changing world. It promotes social mobility, social cohesion, and economic growth. Moreover, education is a journey of personal development, nurturing values, skills, and self-awareness. While challenges such as unequal access and gender disparities persist, advancements in technology offer exciting opportunities for innovation and inclusive learning. By investing in education and ensuring equal opportunities for all, societies can unlock the full potential of individuals, leading to a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future.

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Home — Essay Samples — Education — Importance of Education

Essays on Importance of Education

Hook examples for importance of education essays, anecdotal hook.

Imagine a world where knowledge is the currency of progress, where the pursuit of education opens doors to endless opportunities. As we embark on a journey to explore the profound significance of education, let's delve into the transformative power it holds.

Quotation Hook

""Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."" These words from Nelson Mandela underscore the transformative potential of education. Join me as we examine the impact of education on individuals and societies.

Educational Equality Hook

Access to quality education is a fundamental right. Explore the role of education in promoting equality, breaking down barriers, and addressing social disparities.

Empowerment Through Learning Hook

Education empowers individuals to take control of their lives and shape their destinies. Analyze how education equips people with the knowledge and skills to navigate challenges and make informed decisions.

Educational Innovation Hook

Education is not static; it evolves with the times. Delve into the world of educational innovation and explore how technology and new teaching methods are revolutionizing the learning experience.

Education for Global Citizenship Hook

Education is a bridge to global understanding and cooperation. Investigate how education fosters the development of global citizens who are aware of pressing global issues and actively engaged in solving them.

Lifelong Learning Hook

Learning doesn't end with graduation; it's a lifelong journey. Explore the concept of lifelong learning and how it contributes to personal growth, adaptability, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Definition Paper on Education

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Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, habits, and personal development.

Education originated as transmission of cultural heritage from one generation to the next. Today, educational goals increasingly encompass new ideas such as liberation of learners, critical thinking about presented information, skills needed for the modern society, empathy and complex vocational skills.

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• School Education /

Essay on Importance of Education

• Updated on  
• Jun 6, 2024

Education is very important for success in life. A well-educated person not only succeeds in life but also takes his society and country to new heights. Education develops essential skills like decision-making, problem-solving, and mental agility. Education helps a person to be self-aware and to solve problems in personal and professional life. In this article, we have provided an essay on the importance of education and points to note before writing the same. Moreover, you would find short essays and long essays that can be used to present in school.

Check out our 200+ Essay Topics for School Students in English .

Table of Contents

• 1 Points to Note While Writing an Essay on the Importance of Education
• 2 Reasons Behind the Importance of Education
• 3 10 Lines on the Importance of Education
• 4 Importance of Education Sample Essay (100 words)
• 5 Importance of Education Sample Essaneighbouringy (250 words)
• 6 Importance of Education Sample Essay (400 words)
• 7 10 Popular Quotes on Education
• 8 What Will Your Child Learn From This Essay on the Importance of Education?

Points to Note While Writing an Essay on the Importance of Education

Certain points must be included while writing an essay. It makes the essay more detailed and helps the reader to understand the topic in a better way. An essay on the importance of education must include the following.

• While writing a short essay make sure that it is to the point 
• A longer essay must contain an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Facts about education and the personal perspective of the writer must be included
• Think about the importance of educated individuals in society and write about them
• You can also write about the job market and the role education plays in it.

Also Read: Essay on Democracy

Reasons Behind the Importance of Education

There are many reasons that make Education of utmost importance. Some of those reasons are mentioned below:

• Removing Poverty : When people are educated, it helps society to fight and eradicate poverty because a person who is educated can get a good job.
• Safety and Security against Crime : A well-educated person cannot easily fall prone to a crime or fraud hence, education becomes a safety net to protect against crime and fraud.
• Increases Productivity : Educated people develop a lot f skills and knowledge because which they become much more productive.
• Confidence : An educated person develops a lot of self-confidence by facing and overcoming difficult situations that life throws at them.
• Improved Standard of Life : When an individual becomes educated, the quality of life for him/her and their family changes for the better.
• Women Empowerment : Education helps women become self-sufficient and thus empowers them.
• Upliftment of the Economically Weaker Section : Illiterate people have to suffer hardships like discrimination, injustice, untouchability, etc. By educating them, we can uplift their lives, thus uplifting the society.
• Communication : Education helps improve communication and good communication is essential for success.
• Success : Education is the key to achieving success. With it, comes a positive mindset that helps the individual excel in life.

10 Lines on the Importance of Education

Education is important for several reasons. Here are 10 lines on the importance of education that can be added to the essay. Students can also describe these points to make the essay more descriptive and coherent.

• Education is a basic need for every individual to live in the modern world
• Education helps us to understand technological systems and services
• An educated person can easily take up a job based on interest 
• Without an education, a person will lose the opportunity to be successful in life
• Moreover, education protects an individual from being cheated and exploited by others
• Educated citizens are a valuable asset to the company
• It also helps society to adapt to change and discard old and unproductive ways of conduct and thinking 
• Thus, it enables all sections of society to prosper 
• Particularly, it enables poor sections of society to prosper and develop
• Education helps an individual to uplift the society and community
• Education is extremely important for the development of individuals. Hence, children from all sections of society must be educated.

Also, Read; Essay on My Aim in Life

Importance of Education Sample Essay (100 words)

Education is crucial for the importance of the nation and its citizens. Education is about gathering knowledge and training the mind to think. Moreover, it helps a person to apply the knowledge gained to solve problems.  Education is important in the modern world, as it helps a person to learn about the world and new technologies. It can also empower people and help them to gain employment opportunities . Educated individuals can impart their knowledge to the next generation and thus contribute to society.  They also contribute to the development of the nation and society in general. Thus, the importance of education can’t be denied.

Importance of Education Sample Essaneighbouringy (250 words)

Men and women have to be educated as it helps in the development of a healthy society.  Educated individuals help in the progress of society. It is the highly educated individuals who lay the basic foundation of a developed country. Moreover, education helps in the personal development and empowerment of individuals. It develops in a person the knowledge, and critical thinking skills required to be successful in life. These skills increase self-awareness and help individuals to make informed decisions. Thus, people gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and help them to follow their interests, passions, and talents.

Education helps in growth and innovation. A well-educated workforce is more skilled and productive. Thus, they are more competitive in the global marketplace. Research , technological advancements, and entrepreneurship skills can all be credited to educated individuals. It is the sword that can be used against misinformation and ignorance. A well-educated person is more likely to make a good decision and resist manipulation. Moreover, education promotes healthy lifestyles among individuals.  Educated people are more likely to follow a healthy lifestyle and preventive healthcare measures. 

In conclusion, we can say that education helps in societal advancement and economic, and personal development. It helps individuals to make informed decisions and pushes society for innovation and growth. Education helps to uproot illiteracy and inequality in society. It encourages individuals to take better care of themselves and the environment they live in. Moreover, it encourages people to understand their duties, rights , and responsibilities toward their country.

Importance of Education Sample Essay (400 words)

Education is important for the development of the individual, nation, and society. It empowers individuals to make better decisions for themselves and for the environment they live in. Education provides an individual with the knowledge and skills that are necessary to navigate the complexities of life. It is crucial for personal growth, societal development, and global progress.

Education empowers an individual to think critically and develop analytical skills. It ignites curiosity in humans and encourages them to explore, learn and adapt to changes. Moreover, it helps individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and set meaningful goals. Thus, it helps in the holistic development of an individual. Thus, a well-educated individual can contribute to the progress of the society. It develops empathy, and tolerance, and contributes to a stable and prosperous community. It also helps in the reduction of social inequalities and discrimination and encourages people to actively participate in the democratic functioning of the government. When individuals have access to education it means that they can get employment opportunities as well. Thus, education can help in eradicating poverty and increase economic growth. Moreover, it helps in increasing the living standards of families.

Globally, education helps to drive innovation, develop international cooperation, and deal with global issues. Scientific breakthroughs, advancement of technology, and innovations are all a result of education. Moreover, it helps in cross-cultural understanding and exchange of values and ideas. Global challenges such as climate change, and medical issues can be easily dealt with due to education. Society becomes better equipped to provide sustainable solutions for the betterment of all.

 Education can break down gender inequalities. Therefore, it can empower women and marginalized sections of the community. When societies recognize the importance of education, it helps in promoting equitable access to opportunities. Educating the girl child can result in a reduction in child mortality rates. Thus, it helps in social progress.

The importance of education can’t be denied. It results in personal development, international collaboration, and the development of society. Education provides knowledge and skills that are necessary for navigating through the challenges of life. Moreover, it helps in progress of the society and dealing with global challenges like environmental crises. Thus, education helps in creating a prosperous, and just world.  Education can help an individual achieve his dreams and aspirations. Most of the successful people in the world are educated. In the future educated individual will be a person who knows and can apply it to solve problems.

10 Popular Quotes on Education

Here are 10 popular quotes on education. Feel free to add them to your essay on importance of education or similar academic topics.

‘Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.’ – Albert Einstein

‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ – Malcolm X

‘The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.’ – Martin Luther King Jr.

‘The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited.”‘- Plutarch

‘Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.’ – John Dewey

‘Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.’ – Oprah Winfrey

‘The only person who is educated is the one who has learned how to learn…and change.’ – Carl Rogers

Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.’ – Confucius

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.’ – Benjamin Franklin

What Will Your Child Learn From This Essay on the Importance of Education?

An essay on the importance of education will help a student to learn to express ideas and knowledge simply. It will also help them to express their ideas in a lengthy format. 

An essay on the importance of education will help a student understand the significance of education in the modern world. Moreover, it will make them realize the privilege of a good education later in life.

Also Read: Essay on My Brother in 200 Words

Ans. Education helps a person develop critical thinking and decision-making skills. It helps empower a person to deal with the personal and professional challenges of life. An educated person can make rational and informed decisions while dealing with challenges.

Ans. Education helps in the development of the mind, and the growth of society and the nation. An educated society is an empowered society. Individuals of such a society can make informed decisions and can work towards the social, economic, and political development of the nation.

Ans. The main aim of education is to acquire knowledge and skills. It helps a person adjust to the environment and achieve goals.

Check out our Popular Essay Topics for Students

This was all about essay on the importance of education. We hope the samples listed above will help students with their essay writing practice. For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu.

Blessy George

Blessy George is a Content Marketing Associate at Leverage Edu, boasting over a year of experience in the industry. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling content tailored to online courses, making her a go-to source for those navigating the vast landscape of digital learning. In addition to online classes, she writes content related to study abroad, English test preparation and visas. She has completed her MA degree in Political Science and has gained valuable experience as an intern.She is known for her extensive writing on various aspects of international education, garnering recognition for her insights and contributions. Apart from her professional pursuits, Blessy is passionate about creative writing, particularly poetry and songwriting.

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Liberal and Practical Education in the Twenty-First Century

Continuing education.

This essay was originally published in  Centennial Conversations: Essential Essays in Professional, Continuing, and Online Education   (2015).

As some will recognize, the title of this essay alludes to one of the founding documents for continuing education in the United States, the Morrill Act of 1862 and its famous general statement of purpose, the aim of the act being “to promote the liberal and practical education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions of life.” A broad charter indeed for the future profession of continuing education! And one that, in the more than a century and a half since its articulation, has seen many variations played on both “liberal” and “practical.” Recently, some universities have even begun renaming their continuing education units as centers of “liberal and professional” studies—a somewhat more upscale and contemporary version of “liberal and practical.”

What the relation of liberal to practical is or should be has never been quite clear. Are they opposites? Certainly many seem to think so, especially today when some parents, students, and politicians consider time spent on liberal subjects (often confused with the humanities) to be wasted, at the expense of practical knowledge that would contribute, so the argument goes, more directly and effectively to workforce development and readiness and to national competitiveness. Or are they complements, and if so, of what kind? One historic view is that they are indeed complementary, based on social class: liberal study for the few, the elite, the governors, the professions; practical study for the everyman and everywoman whose prime concern is to make a decent living for themselves and their family. But the Morrill Act language stubbornly couples the two together, intending both kinds of knowledge for the industrial classes and for all the pursuits and professions one can imagine. In what follows I will argue that the Morrill language got it right the first time, and that, going forward, the wisdom of coupling these forms of knowledge will be even more important than ever, both to individuals and to society, and finally, that it should be the aim—and obligation—of continuing educators to advocate for the synergies their interaction produces.

As always, when discussing liberal education, one must begin with what it is not. First, it is not a particular set of subjects—despite the origin of the term in the medieval artes liberalis , which comprehended grammar, rhetoric, and dialectic plus arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music. Nor is it owned by humanities departments—rather, it can draw freely upon virtually all subject areas. Second, it is not a particular list of books or set of experiences. Reading the Great Books or the Harvard Classics or whatever may contribute to liberal learning but doesn’t necessarily do so. Any liberal instrument may be used in illiberal ways: as the poet John Milton observed, one may even be “a heretic in the truth” if one has not tested and probed and come to one’s own authentic understanding of a truth claimed by others. Third, whatever politically minded critics may think, liberal education is not intended to turn people into political liberals—indeed, it sometimes has the opposite effect. And fourth, although it was historically the province of an elite, in a democratic society it aims not for the creation of a particular class but to enable and to elevate a community of full cultural and civic participation for all.

So if liberal learning is not defined by subject, politics, or class, what is it? What can be positively affirmed? Many have tried their hands at this, usually in the form of a list of some kind. One influential recent example is an article by the historian William Cronon, entitled “Only Connect: The Goals of a Liberal Education” (1998). Cronon’s list of the qualities of a liberally educated mind include the abilities to listen and hear; to read and understand; to talk with anyone; to write clearly, persuasively, and movingly; to solve a wide variety of problems; to respect rigor as a way of seeking truth; and to practice humility, tolerance, and self-criticism—and above all, taking his motto from the novelist E. M. Forster, to connect disparate areas of experience into the richest whole possible. This is a memorable contemporary restatement of the aims of liberal study, but it doesn’t quite replace an older statement, nearly contemporary with the Morrill Act, by the Victorian educator William Cory, of Eton College:

You go to a great school, not for knowledge so much as for arts and habits; for the habit of attention, for the art of expression, for the art of assuming at a moment’s notice a new intellectual posture, for the art of entering quickly into another person’s thoughts, for the habit of submitting to censure and refutation, for the art of indicating assent or dissent in graduated terms, for the habit of regarding minute points of accuracy, for the habit of working out what is possible in a given time, for taste, for discrimination, for mental courage and mental soberness. Above all, you go to a great school for self-knowledge. (Cory 1861, 7)

Better still, consider the first continuing educator, who was also the first practitioner of liberal learning, Socrates. As depicted in Plato’s dialogues, his typical technique, still the best educational practice and the foundation of all liberal learning, was the bait and switch or, more precisely, the bait and add. When young men come to him, in the Gorgias for example, hoping to learn the techniques of an irresistible skill in argument, one so strong that they can gain their way in any political dispute or confrontation, he teases them into thinking about justice and a just society—the ends for which all power, and especially the power of persuasive argument, should be exercised.

And we continuing educators very much continue and adapt this tradition: we bait our students with institutional prestige but surprise them with amiability and unpretentiousness; we often bait them with modest prices but then surprise them with the need for a greater intellectual effort than they’ve made before; we bait them with certificates and degrees but hope to spark lifelong intellectual curiosities and passions; we bait them with the promise of better jobs and incomes but send them away with the skills and sympathies needed by better citizens of a better community.

Continuing educators have always been people of mixed motives—indeed, if we didn’t have mixed motives, would we have any at all?—and the challenge is to keep the mix as rich and productive as possible, which means, in most cases, adding liberal elements to our often practically oriented programs. One example: several years ago my unit devised a new certificate in financial services to serve a strong local banking and investment sector. We did the due diligence: assessed the need, hired as program director a recent PhD in economics from our university who worked at the Federal Reserve Bank, surveyed similar programs elsewhere, and consulted with local practitioners. Once we had a draft of the program, we invited—to breakfast before the markets opened!—a distinguished group of industry representatives. They liked what they saw, with one exception: we had forgotten professional ethics! As they pointed out, anyone in the industry soon masters the financial techniques, but what is never fully mastered is the daily ethical struggle to balance your personal interests, your firm’s interests, and your client’s interests—which may well conflict. The practical elements of this profession had been obvious, and we had provided for them; but we had forgotten the liberal elements that our adult students most needed if they were to live a fully successful life: doing well but also, within their sphere, doing good.

And so it is in all the many pursuits and professions of the twenty-first century. There are no longer any durably square holes for which to produce square pegs. If we are merely practical, we are likely not going to be really practical enough for an economy in which more jobs every day require and reward flexibility and critical thinking. In the knowledge economy and learning society we frequently invoke, both jobs and careers are more often fluid than fixed. Although my own title has not changed, my job as dean is not the same as it was five or ten years ago, and on a given day, my administrative assistant may make a decision regarding, say, an inquiry or a visitor that is more important than any I will make that day. The old distinction between routine and creative work is also outmoded: thanks to word processing, we’re all typists now—and all decision makers as well.

Indeed, decision and choice in everything we do is the ground note of life in all developed countries and, increasingly, around the world. Where and how we live, what occupations and ambitions we pursue, what personal style and cultural affinities we embrace, what religious belief we practice, if any, what version of family we create or not: all of these and many other choices are ours to make. And beyond the personal, what kinds of societies embodying what sorts of values and aspirations shall we strive for? These are all practical questions. But to make such choices in the best way we need as many liberal and liberating experiences as possible for the arts and habits and self-knowledge that they provide.

Shakespeare was perhaps the first to fully imagine a world, whether tragic or comic, in which one’s choices mattered more than one’s circumstances. This was once, and not so long ago, an existential experience and self-conception available only—outside one of his plays—to the occasional king or queen, hero or heroine. But over several centuries the invention and widespread dissemination of ever more powerful technologies—agricultural, political, medical, educational, informational, and many others—has substantially brought that imagined world into being and made it available, at least in principle, to us all. The resulting long-term social and moral revolution in the democratization of choice was news four hundred years ago, is news today, and will be news for many years to come. Its benefits are of course still very unevenly distributed both in the developed world and across the globe, and too many people still live in the iron grip of circumstances that prevent their full flourishing in a life based on choices and choices well made. But the long arc of this development is both unmistakable and irresistible.

We continuing educators are potentially among the most powerful agents of this revolution. Not the only ones of course: the inventors of the Internet have, for example, played a crucial role in recent years! But as the growing edge of higher education we have a special role to play and one of which we should be conscious and proud and deliberate. Not that spreading a four-centuries-old worldwide democratic revolution in morals and manners is in any of our job descriptions—indeed, most provosts and presidents would be shocked at the opportunity costs involved in even entertaining such a thought. But we have both the opportunity and the obligation, I think, to prepare our students for full participation in it just as we wish for their full participation in the job market and in civic life.

One consequence should be our regularly advocating for the most generous understanding of what sort of education continuing education students—now the most numerous of all students—need, an education both liberal and practical that prepares them to make well the many decisions in their own lives and those of their families and of the many communities—local, national, and international—in which we and they share. Our students too should be satisfied with nothing less than the best.

So yes, let’s help produce a workforce that can adapt to the many challenges that advancing technologies and changes in the nature of work will bring. And let’s help produce the engaged, critically minded citizens who will be needed to control and correct even the best of governments. And finally, let’s prepare our students for the dignity and the deep challenge of making, and then living in, a world largely of their own choosing. For that great enterprise, they’ll need all the knowledge, both liberal and practical, that they can get!

Cory, William. 1861. Eton Reform II . London: Longman, Green, Longman, and Roberts.

Cronon, William. 1998. “Only Connect: The Goals of a Liberal Education.” American Scholar 67(4): 73–80.

Essay on Importance of Education for Students

500 words essay on importance of education.

To say Education is important is an understatement. Education is a weapon to improve one’s life. It is probably the most important tool to change one’s life. Education for a child begins at home. It is a lifelong process that ends with death. Education certainly determines the quality of an individual’s life. Education improves one’s knowledge, skills and develops the personality and attitude. Most noteworthy, Education affects the chances of employment for people. A highly educated individual is probably very likely to get a good job. In this essay on importance of education, we will tell you about the value of education in life and society.

Importance of Education in Life

First of all, Education teaches the ability to read and write. Reading and writing is the first step in Education. Most information is done by writing. Hence, the lack of writing skill means missing out on a lot of information. Consequently, Education makes people literate.

Above all, Education is extremely important for employment. It certainly is a great opportunity to make a decent living. This is due to the skills of a high paying job that Education provides. Uneducated people are probably at a huge disadvantage when it comes to jobs. It seems like many poor people improve their lives with the help of Education.

Better Communication is yet another role in Education. Education improves and refines the speech of a person. Furthermore, individuals also improve other means of communication with Education.

Education makes an individual a better user of technology. Education certainly provides the technical skills necessary for using technology . Hence, without Education, it would probably be difficult to handle modern machines.

People become more mature with the help of Education. Sophistication enters the life of educated people. Above all, Education teaches the value of discipline to individuals. Educated people also realize the value of time much more. To educated people, time is equal to money.

Finally, Educations enables individuals to express their views efficiently. Educated individuals can explain their opinions in a clear manner. Hence, educated people are quite likely to convince people to their point of view.

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Importance of Education in Society

First of all, Education helps in spreading knowledge in society. This is perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of Education. There is a quick propagation of knowledge in an educated society. Furthermore, there is a transfer of knowledge from generation to another by Education.

Education helps in the development and innovation of technology. Most noteworthy, the more the education, the more technology will spread. Important developments in war equipment, medicine , computers, take place due to Education.

Education is a ray of light in the darkness. It certainly is a hope for a good life. Education is a basic right of every Human on this Planet. To deny this right is evil. Uneducated youth is the worst thing for Humanity. Above all, the governments of all countries must ensure to spread Education.

FAQs on Essay on Importance of Education

Q.1 How Education helps in Employment?

A.1 Education helps in Employment by providing necessary skills. These skills are important for doing a high paying job.

Q.2 Mention one way in Education helps a society?

A.2 Education helps society by spreading knowledge. This certainly is one excellent contribution to Education.

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Colleges are striving to provide education that's both academic and practical; here's why

Confidence. It’s an important quality in a leader, and a crucial emotion for people to feel about the institutions in their communities. Confidence is bred, and it is earned.

But sometimes confidence dips. That’s been the case for higher education as a whole. Indeed, a recent Gallup Poll showed that an increasing proportion of adults in the United States lack confidence in colleges and universities. Respondents were concerned about several things, including whether schools were teaching relevant skills.

Higher education began as something designed for the most elite in society, with little focus on practical, real-world skills. Since then, we have seen the pendulum swing many times, from an academic focus to a career-focused education and back again. Now, universities are trying to balance the two to meet the needs of both students and the workforce. 

This is occurring against a backdrop of significant growth in the Upstate, with about $20 billion in capital investment and 55,000 new jobs. Meanwhile, there is a shortage of highly skilled workers to fill these jobs and keep our economy going strong. The percentage of people ages 20 to 64 was 60 percent in 2000 and is projected to decline to 56 percent by 2030, while the percentage of the state’s population under the age of 20 was 28 percent in 2000 and is projected to dip to 23 percent by 2030.

This is something that’s been on my mind, and on the agenda at the University of South Carolina Upstate. So we are working hard to provide our students with an unparalleled academic experience while giving them the skills they can apply to the real world, and to successful careers that will meet workforce demands.

We are mixing high-impact experiential learning with cutting-edge research, deeply connected community engagement, and course-to-career pathways. We are taking a close look at our degree offerings, examining and expanding our partnerships with employers, and using innovation and technology to adapt and meet demand.

Today’s students need an education that is both practical and academic. Only then can we create greater economic growth and equity in the region, and build greater confidence in the value of higher education.

I’ve seen that value for myself; my education helped take me from a farm in Mississippi to the Chancellor’s chair at USC Upstate. I have experienced, firsthand, the transformative power of America’s higher education, a force that has strengthened our nation and shaped my life and that of my family.

Education can be an equalizer, empowering people to find their purpose and seek social and economic mobility. There are obstacles, of course, but, as said in a Wendell Berry poem, the “impeded stream” is “the one that sings.”

That’s the true journey of education.  If we’re not challenged, we’re not fully engaged. Maneuvering around the obstacles creates the music.

It is this work, and our focus on the true needs of our students and society, that will make the difference, creating greater confidence in higher education and a brighter tomorrow for everyone.

Dr. Bennie L. Harris is the Chancellor at USC Upstate.

Role of Education for Successful Careers Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

Works cited.

Over the years, there has been ongoing debate on the importance of education for a successful career. Even to those who agree that education is important, there is still the lingering question on the level of importance. Many learners and employment seekers have repeatedly been questioning the importance of education with respect to personal career in certain fields.

There are also questions touching on the role of education in determining the level of success in the business world and in improving the quality of life in general. Today, many people seeking certain job opportunities with some even possessing many years experience find themselves being rejected in favour of candidates possessing degrees in that field. (Santiago)

Depending on the height of achievement that one is seeking to accomplish, the echelon of education might be practical, but the most important thing to realize is that some level of education is vital to future success. In essence, completing high levels of education shows that one has an obligation and enthusiasm to study and apply the gotten information in their various areas of specialization.

Additionally, this also acts as proof that one is willing to use the acquired thoughts, theories, and principles to attain a variety of responsibilities and aspirations. Although there are obviously many reasons why people should advance their education, the most important is that education enables a person to acquire the subject substance and vital information needed in the day-to-day living. (Hartman & Stewart 283)

Today, many people are undoubtedly shunning formal employment in favour of starting up their own businesses. This has led many people to question the importance of academic excellence in the light of this new development. Contrary to this belief, attaining academic excellence especially in English and language skills helps people to communicate their ideas in a clearer manner.

This is gotten from the fact that communication skills are fundamental in any task, whether dealing with co-workers or even business associates. Indeed, one has to efficiently convey their plans, ideas, and goals if they are to become respected people in the society.

Currently, any formal learning incorporates communication skills thus articulating the importance of attaining academic excellence during the learning years. (Moxley & Dumbrigue 36)

Despite the revolution that computers and calculators have brought in the modern world, there is still the need to do basic adding up and calculations on paper or even using the mind. Regardless of the profession that one might be in, there will always arise moments when one has to employ basic math skills.

Lacking these skills can be a big impediment to attaining a fulfilling career or even for life. Indeed, nearly every chore in the life of a man requires some basic math skills. These are activities like preparing meals, shopping, driving among many other chores that people engage in on day-to-day basis.

Lacking the basic math skills can become a big source of frustration for the involved parties and can lead to huge losses in an organization or even in ones private life. (Hartman & Stewart 284)

Currently, nearly all the best paying jobs in the market require high level of learning. In fact, the world works on a basic principle that the more education that one has, then the higher level of earnings they are likely to attain.

This clearly shows that academic excellence is a prerequisite for attaining financial growth in any given career. In fact, trends show that people who attain great success in the business world were once successful in school. Currently, anyone thinking of landing a lucrative job in any major organization must be holding some noteworthy level of education. (Moxley & Dumbrigue 37)

Unlike in the past when certain positions within organizations did not necessarily require any college education, the situation has been reversed and these positions are currently only open to people possessing a certain level of academic qualification.

In any given organization, managers use educational requirements to reduce the number of applicants especially in situations where the number of those applying for the job is more than the available positions.

There are many explanations as to why managers prefer people with higher education but the most likely reason is that learned people are perceived to be ready to learn the procedures within the company since college education is all about learning new things.

Additionally, being in school allows one to interact with people from different backgrounds, which helps them to hone their communication skills thus making them to succeed in their respective careers and in the business world. (Santiago)

Over the years, there has been an ongoing debate on whether academic excellence is important for a successful career. There is no doubt that academic excellence leads to financial breakthroughs in whatever career that one might be pursuing. Even then, there is still the lingering question on the required level of education that one should have attained to make them qualify for certain positions in an organization.

Current trends however show that the range of salaries in organizations depends on the level of education that one has attained. Unlike in the past when some positions within organizations did not require any level of education, the situation has changed and academic excellence is needed to even allow one to set foot in these organizations.

Hartman, Kathleen and Stewart, Thomas. Investing in Your College Education: Learning Strategies with Readings, 2009. Cengage Learning, 283-284. Print.

Moxley, David and Dumbrigue, Cecille. Keeping Students in Higher Education: Successful Practices & Strategies for Retention, 2001. Routledge, 36-40. Print.

Santiago, Andrea. Why is Education so Important for Success? , 2011. Web.

• Internationalization of Education
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IvyPanda. (2019, May 3). Role of Education for Successful Careers. https://ivypanda.com/essays/role-of-education-for-successful-careers-essay/

"Role of Education for Successful Careers." IvyPanda , 3 May 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/role-of-education-for-successful-careers-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'Role of Education for Successful Careers'. 3 May.

IvyPanda . 2019. "Role of Education for Successful Careers." May 3, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/role-of-education-for-successful-careers-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "Role of Education for Successful Careers." May 3, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/role-of-education-for-successful-careers-essay/.

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IvyPanda . "Role of Education for Successful Careers." May 3, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/role-of-education-for-successful-careers-essay/.

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The effectiveness of a must-have practical work in tertiary life science education.

1. Introduction

2. background: the role and aims of practical work, 2.1. the need for practical work in tertiary education: evidence or opinion based, 2.2. the study focus.

• Is practical work effective in helping undergraduates build conceptual understanding in life sciences?
• What are the aims of practical work amongst a small sample of lecturers in the department of life sciences at the chosen university?

3. Study Design

Background to the case study, 4. materials and methods.

• Could you please explain to me, in your words, what are you doing with these devices and equipment? Why are you doing this? What is this showing you?
• How are the measurements taken and their analysis related to what you know?
• Could you please explain the reading that you got? Was it expected? Why?
• Could you please explain to me what equipment you will use for this part of the experiment and the reasons for this?
• Could you show me how you set up this equipment ready to use for the experiment to be conducted? Why this particular setting?

5.1. The Aims of Practical Work at the School of Life science

5.2. laboratory observations and discussions with students.

• Researcher: How was DNA amplified? Why do we have more DNA strands now?
• Student: No idea, I just read the protocol. Let me ask.
• Researcher: Let us think about this together. What does the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) do? Why do we heat the DNA?
• Student: We use PCR to make ‘more’ DNA. Heat ‘destroys’ it and then makes more’ of it.
• Researcher: In a sense, yes. It denatures DNA, to separate it into two pieces of single strands so that it can get synthesized by an enzyme later.
• Student: Oh, I do not know. The machine does it anyway.
• Researcher: Why do we have cold and hot phases in PCR? What is the machine doing now?
• Student: It has to support transcription. At first the DNA is broken down into two pieces while denaturing, I think. Isn’t this the word Dr A used? Then when the temperature is cold it allows primers to stick and help in making a new DNA.

5.2.1. Effectiveness at Level 1

• Researcher: Do you know what you are looking at down the microscope? (canine faecal sample)
• Student1: It looks disgusting but no.
• Researcher: What does the egg of the parasite look like?
• Student 2: Well, the egg is chubby but maybe what I am looking at is a bubble? No idea.
• Researcher: Can you show me the phloem and xylem?
• Student: I have no idea; this slide has a lot of colours.
• Researcher: If you remember the structurer of a stem, where would you find the xylem?
• Student: I do not know, what is that structure called…skin?
• Researcher: You mean epidermis?
• Student: Yes. That!

5.2.2. Effectiveness at Level 2

• Researcher: What is amelogenin?
• Student (consensus in the group of students): It’s a gene. We do not know. It’s the difference between man and woman
• Researcher: How do you determine sex?
• Group of students: It has to do with the length of the gene, something like that. We will ask.

5.3. Interviews with Academic Staff and Undergraduates

• Lecturer 1: Practical work motivates students because we are giving them sufficient training in practical work that can be applied in the industry and clinical sector later. That is why they are studying sciences.
• Lecturer 2: Practical work motivates students who already have an idea of what they want to do in the future, so they take advantage of the practical sessions we offer.
• Student: We see things, and this helps reinforcing the theory. Theory makes sense when you see and do things on your own in the laboratory. It becomes more familiar. Even if we do not learn things in detail now or sometimes do not know what we are doing, we will go home, and we will recall what we saw in the lab and make sense of what we learned later (after studying the relevant material).

6. Discussion

7. conclusions, limitations and future research, author contributions, conflicts of interest.

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Constantinou, M.; Fotou, N. The Effectiveness of a Must-Have Practical Work in Tertiary Life Science Education. Information 2020 , 11 , 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090401

Constantinou M, Fotou N. The Effectiveness of a Must-Have Practical Work in Tertiary Life Science Education. Information . 2020; 11(9):401. https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090401

Constantinou, Marina, and Nikolaos Fotou. 2020. "The Effectiveness of a Must-Have Practical Work in Tertiary Life Science Education" Information 11, no. 9: 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/info11090401

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WASSCE 2024 Practical And Theory Papers Underway For 460,611 Candidates

• The practical and theory papers for the 2024 WASSCE have commenced at 1,000 centres across the country
• The 2024 WASSCE group has 460,611 registered candidates made up of 212,954 males and 247,657 females
• The examination council has also assured that the necessary security measures have been put into action

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has begun practical and theory papers for the 2024 WASSCE.

The practicals and theory tests follow the Visual Arts project work examinations from August 5 to 16, 2024.

WAEC , in a statement , indicated that the examination is expected to end on September 20.

The 2024 WASSCE has 460,611 registered candidates made up of 212,954 males and 247,657 females.

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Government and CETAG sign MoU as strike draws to a close

They represent 1,003 schools that were registered for the examination, which takes place at 1,000 centres across the country.

WAEC noted that this figure is 2.66% higher than the 2023 entry figure of 448,674.

Security for the 2024 WASSCE

WAEC has also assured that the necessary test security measures have been put in place to ensure the examination's success.

It was noted that a number of institutions engaged in mass cheating during the examination.

According to WAEC, candidates in some parts of the country are being charged between GH¢200 and GH¢500 to receive assistance from invigilators.

Similar incidents were noted during the 2024 BECE . Several teachers were arrested because of suspected malpractice.

The council also said supervisors at some centres plan to assign teachers to invigilate their teaching subjects.

First-year SHS students begin in September

YEN.com.gh also reported that the Ghana Education Service has announced September 27 as the reporting day for first-year senior high school students.

GTEC directs colleges of education to remain open despite CETAG's prolonged strike

The service released a circular urging school administrations to prepare for the date on the calendar, with the first term set to conclude on December 6 this year.

Per Joy News , the circular also noted that all other school activities and programs scheduled for the semester will proceed as planned without any changes.

Proofread by Bruce Douglas, senior copy editor at YEN.com.gh

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Source: YEN.com.gh

Delali Adogla-Bessa (Current Affairs Editor) Delali Adogla-Bessa is a Current Affairs Editor with YEN.com.gh. Delali previously worked as a freelance journalist in Ghana and has over seven years of experience in media, primarily with Citi FM, Equal Times, Ubuntu Times. Delali also volunteers with the Ghana Institute of Language Literacy and Bible Translation, where he documents efforts to preserve local languages. He graduated from the University of Ghana in 2014 with a BA in Information Studies. Email: [email protected].

• Open access
• Published: 20 August 2024

Impact of a game-based interprofessional education program on medical students’ perceptions: a text network analysis using essays

• Young Gyu Kwon 1 ,
• Myeong Namgung 2 ,
• Song Hee Park 3 ,
• Mi Kyung Kim 3 , 4 ,
• Sun Jung Myung 5 ,
• Eun Kyung Eo 6 &
• Chan Woong Kim 1 , 2  

BMC Medical Education volume  24 , Article number:  898 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

The increasing complexity of the healthcare environment and the necessity of multidisciplinary teamwork have highlighted the importance of interprofessional education (IPE). IPE aims to enhance the quality of patient care through collaborative education involving various healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. This study sought to analyze how game-based IPE activities influence students’ perceptions and reflective thinking. It also aimed to identify the shifts in perception and effectiveness caused by this educational approach.

The study is based on a game-based IPE program conducted at University A, involving medical and nursing students in structured learning and team-based activities. Data were collected using essays written by the students after they had participated in IPE activities. Text network analysis was conducted by extracting key terms, performing centrality analysis, and visualizing topic modeling to identify changes in students’ perceptions and reflective thinking.

Keywords such as “patient,” “thought,” “group,” “doctor,” “nurse,” and “communication” played a crucial role in the network, indicating that students prioritized enhancing their communication and problem-solving skills within the educational environment. The topic modeling results identified three main topics, each demonstrating the positive influence of game-based collaborative activities, interprofessional perspectives, and interdisciplinary educational experiences on students. Topic 3 (interdisciplinary educational experience) acted as a significant mediator connecting Topic 1 (game-based collaborative activity experience) and Topic 2 (interprofessional perspectives).

This study demonstrates that game-based IPE activities are an effective educational approach for enhancing students’ team building skills, particularly communication and interprofessional perspectives. Based on these findings, future IPE programs should focus on creating collaborative learning environments, strengthening communication skills, and promoting interdisciplinary education. The findings provide essential insights for educational designers and medical educators to enhance the effectiveness of IPE programs. Future research should assess the long-term impacts of game-based IPE on clinical practice, patient outcomes, and participants’ professional development.

Peer Review reports

With rapid changes in the healthcare environment and the advancement of systems, effective collaboration among various healthcare professionals is crucial to meet patients’ high expectations [ 1 ]. This underscores the growing importance of interprofessional education (IPE), which aims to develop the ability to collaborate efficiently as multidisciplinary teams [ 2 , 3 ]. IPE involves students from two or more healthcare professions learning about, from, and with each other through collaborative education. The primary objective of IPE is to assist healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, in developing the competence to collaborate more effectively in multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient care [ 4 ]. Its history began in the early twentieth century and has evolved to include numerous healthcare professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, and dentists [ 5 ]. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that IPE provides highly collaborative teamwork experiences that improve job satisfaction and enhance access to and safety in patient care [ 6 ]. Recent studies have also shown that IPE is pivotal not only in promoting professional autonomy, understanding of professional roles, teamwork, and collaboration, but also in providing essential knowledge and skills for improving healthcare services [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ].

One innovative approach to enhancing IPE involves game-based learning, which integrates educational content with interactive gaming elements to create engaging and effective learning experiences. Game-based learning has been shown to enhance students’ motivation, participation, and retention of knowledge by providing a dynamic and immersive learning environment [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. In the context of IPE, these activities can simulate real-life clinical scenarios that require collaboration, communication, and problem-solving among diverse healthcare professionals [ 17 ]. This method allows students to practice and develop these critical skills in a safe and controlled setting, thereby preparing them for actual clinical practice [ 18 ].

Previous IPE studies involving students primarily used surveys, interviews, and participant observations to assess changes in students’ knowledge acquisition, collaboration, teamwork skills, and attitudes [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. While these approaches have provided valuable information for evaluating the effectiveness of IPE programs, they have limitations in terms of exploring students’ direct expressions and deep thinking. Recent research has started exploring game-based learning in IPE, emphasizing its potential to enhance collaboration, communication, and problem-solving skills among healthcare students [ 24 , 25 ]. Game-based learning activities, such as serious games and simulations, offer engaging experiences that promote interprofessional collaboration and reflective thinking [ 17 ]. However, there is still a scarcity of research on students’ personal experiences, changing perceptions, and in-depth understanding of interprofessional collaboration through game-based learning. Addressing this gap can provide better relevance and context to the study of IPE.

Medical education literature has highlighted the importance of various educational strategies in enhancing reflective thinking skills [ 26 , 27 ]. Dewey defines reflective thinking as conscious thought in the problem-solving process, which can be considered as the active utilization of knowledge gained through experience [ 28 ]. Narrative materials, such as essays, are useful tools for gaining an in-depth understanding of students’ experiences and perceptions. Thus, analyzing reflective thinking through essays can help students better understand their learning experiences and improve their problem-solving abilities through effective collaboration across different disciplines [ 29 , 30 ].

This study aimed to analyze students’ perceptions of collaboration by examining essays they wrote after participating in game-based IPE activities, thereby providing evidence for the effectiveness of such education. The results of this study are expected to serve as foundational data to help design and implement more effective collaborative learning strategies for IPE programs.

Course design

The IPE program at a South Korean university targeted fifth-year medical and fourth-year nursing students to prepare them for clinical training. The course was divided into two phases: a six-day shadowing period and a four-day IPE activity period.

During the shadowing period, students observed various healthcare professionals in different clinical settings, including emergency rooms (ERs), ambulatory care, critical care, and outpatient environments. This phase emphasized understanding interprofessional roles and the importance of collaborative practice skills.

In the subsequent IPE activity period, students were grouped into teams of five or six, consisting of both medical and nursing students, to engage in team building exercises. These activities aimed to promote students’ collaboration, communication skills, mutual understanding in clinical settings. The activities during this phase were meticulously designed to develop essential soft skills through structured game-based exercises. These included the Marshmallow Challenge, which aimed to enhance understanding of team building dynamics; the Puzzle Game, which focused on defining roles and fostering teamwork to achieve a common objective; and the Message Game, which underscored the importance of clear and effective communication. Additional activities, such as the Drawing Shapes Game and the Drawing the Story Game, were designed to improve skills in accurate verbal description and to enhance understanding of the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication protocol, respectively. Finally, the Board Game was specifically developed to reinforce systems thinking and to illustrate the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex issues in a hospital. Table 1 outlines the key activities included in this period.

This study aimed to analyze essays written by students after participating in the IPE activities to assess their reflections and learning outcomes.

Research procedure

The fundamental premise of text network analysis is to extract keywords representing the core content from the literature [ 31 ]. This study focused on understanding students’ thoughts and perceptions by analyzing their essays. The research process comprised (1) data collection, (2) keyword selection and data processing, (3) core keyword extraction and network construction, (4) network connectivity and centrality analysis, and (5) topic modeling. This approach facilitated a nuanced understanding of the conceptual relationships within the text, yielding deeper insights into students’ reflective thinking and experiences with interprofessional collaboration, thereby aligning with the objectives of this study.

Data collection

Data were collected in 2021 after the IPE program. Of the 82 medical students who participated in the program, 77 voluntarily submitted essays, representing a 93.9% response rate from the entire cohort enrolled in the IPE program. The essays were collected after the completion of the entire program, capturing students’ reflections and feelings about the course. These essays were not intended for assessment or evaluation purposes but were written freely by students to express their thoughts and experiences regarding the program. The primary aim was to gather qualitative insights into how students perceived and internalized the IPE activities, which aligns with the study’s objective to understand the impact of game-based learning on developing interprofessional collaboration, communication, and team building skills. We focused on medical students’ essays to explore their specific perspectives and experiences within the IPE program, as these students often play crucial roles in multidisciplinary teams. Therefore, understanding their views can provide valuable insights for improving IPE programs and enhancing interprofessional collaboration in clinical practice [ 32 ].

Keyword selection and data pre-processing

The student essays were collected using MS Office Excel. Pre-processing involved an initial review using Excel’s Spell Check, followed by manual corrections to fix typographical errors. Morphological analysis was performed using Netminer 4.5.1.c (CYRAM), which automatically removed pronouns and adverbs, leaving only nouns. To extract the words, 25 designated words, 40 synonyms, and 321 excluded words were pre-registered. Designated words are terms that convey specific meanings when grouped [ 33 ]. In this study, terms such as “interprofessional education” and “Friday Night at the ER” were classified as such. Synonyms, a group of words that have similar meanings, were processed as a single term that can represent the common meaning of those words [ 34 ]. For instance, “Friday night ER,” “FNER,” and “Friday night in the ER” were extracted as “Friday Night at ER.” Words considered irrelevant to the current research focus or general words that did not contribute to meaningful analysis were excluded (e.g., “and,” “or,” “front,” “inside,” “during”). Three professors specializing in emergency medicine and one medical educator handled word extraction and refinement, and the final selection was reviewed by the entire research team.

The data analysis utilized was qualitative content analysis, focusing on both the identification and contextual usage of keywords. This approach involved the descriptive counting of keywords as well as an in-depth analysis of their usage within the essays. This rigorous process ensured that the keywords selected were relevant to the study’s focus on IPE and collaboration, providing both quantitative and qualitative insights into the students’ reflections and experiences.

Extraction of core keywords and network construction

Core keyword extraction was based on the term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) method. The frequency of word occurrences is expressed as “term frequency (TF),” which indicates how often a word appears within a document [ 35 ]. By contrast, “inverse document frequency (IDF)” is calculated using the logarithmic value of the inverse of document frequency [ 36 ]. The TF-IDF value is computed by multiplying TF by IDF. A high value indicates that a word is important in a specific document but rarely appears in others [ 37 ]. This method allows the assessment of the importance of words in documents. For network analysis, the 2-mode word-document network was converted into a 1-mode word-word network. The co-occurrence frequency was set to occur at least twice, and the word proximity (window size) was set to two, following previous studies on text network analysis [ 38 ].

Network connectivity and centrality analysis

Network size and density, as well as the average degree and distance at the node level, were identified to understand the overall characteristics of the network. Network size denotes the total number of nodes (keywords). Density measures the ratio of actual connections to possible connections, indicating network cohesion. The average degree reflects the average number of connections per node, while the average distance shows the typical number of steps between nodes, revealing the network’s connectivity and compactness [ 35 , 38 ]. Centrality analysis included degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality, whereas closeness centrality was excluded due to poor performance in lengthy texts [ 39 ]. Degree centrality measures how well a node is connected within a network, helping to identify keywords that play a central role in the network [ 40 ]. Betweenness centrality measures how frequently a node appears on the shortest path between other nodes, indicating how well it acts as an intermediary between two nodes [ 41 ]. Eigenvector centrality assesses the influence of a node by considering the importance of its neighboring nodes beyond the degree of connection [ 42 ]. This study extracted the top 30 words for each degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality. Finally, a spring map was used to visualize the keywords and their connection structures in the network.

Text network analysis was chosen because it provides a detailed understanding of relationships between concepts, unlike traditional methods that focus on theme frequency. It visualizes keyword interactions, highlighting central themes and their connections, offering insights into students’ reflections on IPE and their thought patterns.

Topic modeling

Latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) is a statistical text-processing technique that clusters keywords based on their probabilities and distributions to infer topics [ 43 ]. In this study, keywords extracted from essays were compiled into a matrix for LDA. To determine the optimal number of topics, combinations of α = 0.01–0.03, β = 0.01–0.03, topic model = 3–8, and 1,000 iterations were tested. The optimal model was selected based on the coherence score (c_v), with the highest coherence score ensuring the validity and reliability of the inferred topics [ 44 , 45 , 46 ].

Key keywords

Table 2 presents the keywords derived from analyzing medical students’ essays selected through the TF and TF-IDF analyses. In the TF analysis, “thought” appeared most frequently (365 times), followed by “group” 359 times, “class” 322 times, and “game” 278 times. The top 20 keywords in TF-IDF included “patient,” “game,” “group,” and “person.” Keywords that appeared in both TF and TF-IDF analyses included “nursing school,” “nurse,” “game,” “hospital,” “person,” “mutual,” “communication,” “time,” “group,” “important,” “progress,” “puzzle,” “patient,” and “activity.” Comparing the keywords between TF and TF-IDF, new terms that emerged in TF-IDF included “IPE,” “room,” and “clinical practice.”

• Text network analysis

Network structure

In this study, a network was constructed based on a co-occurrence frequency of at least two words with word proximity (window size) set to two words. The resulting network comprised 1,218 nodes and 627 links. The network density was 0.012, with an average degree and distance of 3.919 and 3.447, respectively.

Centrality analysis

Table 3 lists the top 30 keywords according to degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centralities, providing insight into the overall network characteristics. The top three keywords across all three centrality analyses included “patient,” “thought,” “group,” “doctor,” “nurse,” and “communication.” The ranking and composition of the keywords were similar in both degree and betweenness centrality analyses. In the eigenvector results, “doctor,” “nurse,” and “communication” were ranked highest. When comparing the top 30 keywords from eigenvector centrality with those from degree and betweenness centrality, new terms such as “future,” “society,” and “need” emerged. These findings are presented in Fig.  1 , which illustrates the spring network map of centrality.

Spring network map of centrality. a  Degree centrality. b  Betweenness centrality. c  Eigenvector centrality

Topic modeling: selection of the number of topics

To determine the optimal number of topics, 54 combinations of options were tested, including α = 0.01–0.03, β = 0.01–0.03, topic models = 3–8, and 1,000 iterations. Three topics were identified.

In the topic modeling process, after reviewing the keywords and contents of the assigned original documents, the research team convened and named each topic to reflect the trend of the subject matter, as shown in Fig.  2 . Following prior research, the final topic model was visualized using a topic-keyword map displaying the top eight to thirteen words [ 44 ]. Topic 1, accounting for 17% of the total topics, includes keywords such as “group,” “game,” “puzzle,” “delivery,” and “activity.” This reflects the inclusion of group-based, game-centric activities in the IPE classes; hence, it was named “game-based collaborative activity experience.” Topic 2 comprises 23% of the topics centered around the thoughts of doctors and nurses about patients in clinical settings, with keywords including “doctor,” “thought,” “patient,” “hospital,” and “nurse.” It was thus named “interprofessional perspectives.” Topic 3, with the largest share at 60%, incorporates keywords such as “class,” “nursing school,” “thought,” “activity,” and “student.” It primarily addresses class activities involving nursing students, thus the term “interdisciplinary educational experience.” Visually examining the entire network of topic modeling indicates that Topic 1, “game-based collaborative activity experience,” and Topic 3, “interdisciplinary educational experience,” are connected through the keywords “person” and “activity.” Topic 2, “Interprofessional Perspectives,” and Topic 3, are linked by “thought” and “class.” In the network, Topic 3 plays a vital role in connecting Topics 1 and 2, as illustrated in Fig.  2 .

Semantic keywords of topic modeling

This study is the first attempt to demonstrate the educational impact of game-based IPE activities on fostering an interprofessional perspective, communication skills, and team building skills among healthcare professionals through a text network analysis of student essays. This distinguishes this study from previous studies. This approach can help students develop collaborative skills, thereby effectively addressing various challenges in clinical settings. The primary findings and implications of this study are as follows:

First, the keywords with the highest degree of centrality were “patient,” “thought,” and “group.” High-degree-centrality keywords play a central role in the entire network, suggesting that the overall program should be designed around these keywords. The keywords with high betweenness centrality were also “patient,” “thought,” and “group.” These keywords act as necessary connectors within the network, indicating that they are crucial for establishing communication channels between different professions and ensuring a smooth flow of information in medical education. Keywords with high eigenvector centrality included “doctor,” “nurse,” and “communication.” The prominence of keywords such as “doctor,” “nurse,” and “communication” in centrality measures signifies their strong connections to other important terms in the network. This highlights the pivotal role of doctors and nurses in collaborative practices and underscores the importance of communication skills in IPE programs. The central positioning of these keywords within the network emphasizes the need to prioritize interprofessional roles and communication competencies to enhance collaborative practices in clinical settings. These results align with previous findings emphasizing the importance of education in promoting effective collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals [ 47 ]. The centralities thus provide quantitative evidence supporting the critical roles and interactions that are essential for successful IPE.

The relevance of these keywords can be understood within the framework of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Core Competencies, which emphasize patient-centered care, reflective thinking, and effective communication. The central keywords align with IPEC’s domains: values/ethics for interprofessional practice, roles/responsibilities, interprofessional communication, and teams/teamwork [ 4 , 48 ]. For instance, “patient” and “group” correspond to the emphasis on patient-centered care and teamwork, while “thought” and “communication” are essential for reflective practice and effective interprofessional communication. Integrating IPE into medical education strengthens transparent and efficient teamwork across different specialties, minimizes errors in clinical decision-making, and improves patient outcomes. Consequently, medical schools should develop curricula that provide students with ample opportunities to collaborate with team members from various specialties [ 49 ].

Second, the topic modeling analysis indicated that Topic 1 provides a collaborative experience through group-based gaming activities in an IPE course. This aligns with previous research, indicating that game-based learning can enhance participants’ socialization and communication skills. Thornton Bacon et al. [ 50 ] and Sanko et al. [ 51 ] reported that students who participated in the Friday Night at Emergency Room (FNER) game demonstrated a statistically significant increase in systems thinking scores. In addition, Fusco et al. [ 52 ] confirmed that gameplay positively affected students’ systematic thinking, effective collaboration, and socialization skills. This suggests that game-based learning is useful for developing collaborative problem-solving skills and can be effectively integrated into various educational designs of IPE programs. Topic 2 highlights the significant focus on the perspectives of healthcare professionals in clinical environments. According to Bridges et al. [ 53 ] and Prentice et al. [ 54 ], IPE provides opportunities to develop a better understanding of roles and improve communication among healthcare team members. In this process, improving knowledge about one’s own roles and responsibilities as well as those of other professions can enhance teamwork between professionals [ 55 ]. This finding suggests that IPE programs can improve the quality of healthcare delivery by fostering mutual respect and understanding among different healthcare professionals. Topic 3 primarily addressed class activities for nursing students and included interdisciplinary educational experiences. These results show that game-based IPE activities are an effective educational method for enhancing interprofessional perspectives and communication skills, going beyond traditional lectures that simply deliver knowledge to students.

Additionally, Bjerkvik and Hilli [ 56 ] stated that expressing thoughts through writing facilitates the understanding of personal experiences. This enables learners to explore their emotions and attitudes, ultimately leading them to deeper self-understanding and professional growth. Consequently, this study analyzed students’ reflective thinking through topic modeling and presented evidence that game-based IPE activities are crucial in promoting learners’ reflective thinking and professional growth.

This study has several limitations. First, a limited group of students from a specific university participated in this study, which may have restricted the generalizability of the findings. Additional research is required to verify the results of this study across multiple student groups from various backgrounds and environments. Second, the research methodology relied on text analysis of student essays, focusing only on students’ subjective experiences and perceptions. To address this limitation, we used a rigorous coding scheme, inter-rater reliability checks, and TF-IDF for keyword extraction. Our methodology included keyword selection, data pre-processing, network construction, and LDA-based topic modeling, optimized with the coherence score (c_v). These steps ensured that the data analysis was both robust and reliable. Additionally, incorporating multiple methods for data analysis allowed us to cross-verify the findings and enhance the overall rigor of the study. Future research should integrate a range of methods, including interviews and surveys, to achieve a more comprehensive evaluation. Third, the effects of IPE programs on students’ collaborative competencies in clinical practice and healthcare settings is limited. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of game-based IPE on clinical practice, patient outcomes, and students’ readiness for clinical environments. Additionally, tracking the career progression and professional development of participants will help assess the sustained benefits of these educational interventions.

Conclusions

This study is the first to explore changes in reflective thinking and perceptions among students who participated in IPE programs. This demonstrates the positive effects of IPE on professional healthcare students. Specifically, through the analysis of degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality, we identified keywords such as “patient,” “thought,” “group,” “doctor,” “nurse,” and “communication” as crucial to interprofessional perspectives and communication among healthcare professionals. Topic modeling further underscores the importance of game-based learning, interprofessional perspectives, and interdisciplinary educational experiences.

These findings emphasize the need for innovative teaching methods in medical education and reaffirm the importance of promoting effective inter-professional perspective, communication skills and team building skills. Medical schools should strive to improve the design and implementation of their IPE program by incorporating students’ experiences and reflective insights. This will ultimately improve the quality of medical education. This study can serve as valuable foundational data for future research. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of game-based IPE on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Research should also explore the impact of game-based IPE on participants’ career progression and professional development to assess sustained benefits. Additionally, future research could examine how different game-based learning activities influence specific interprofessional competencies, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, to identify the most effective approaches for IPE programs.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets generated and/or analysed during the current study are not publicly available due to ethical constraints but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

• Interprofessional education

Friday night at emergency room

Latent Dirichlet allocation

Term frequency

Term frequency-inverse document frequency

Inverse document frequency

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The authors sincerely thank all those who have contributed to this work through their support, insights, and encouragement.

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Study conception and design: YK, MN, CK. Data collection: YK, MN, CK. Data analysis and interpretation: YK, MN, SM, EE, CK. Drafting of the article: YK, MN, SP, MK. Critical revision of the article: YK, MN, SP, SM, EE, CK.

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Kwon, Y.G., Namgung, M., Park, S.H. et al. Impact of a game-based interprofessional education program on medical students’ perceptions: a text network analysis using essays. BMC Med Educ 24 , 898 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-024-05893-2

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