Modern pedagogy identifies certain functions of education, which form two large groups. Before dwelling on their description in more detail, it is necessary to give a meaningful characterization of this phenomenon.
Education is a multidimensional and very complex phenomenon, so it cannot be understood and formulated unambiguously. We single out a number of its basic characteristics.
Firstly, education is a certain sociocultural phenomenon. That is why its main goal and tasks will be determined only by modern society. But on the other hand, education is an important area in its development. The fact is that this is an integral component of culture. Therefore, the spiritual side of society as a whole will largely depend on the quality of educational services at any level.
Secondly, it represents an open, flexible and holistic system of successive educational standards and programs, governing bodies and the system of institutions (preschool, secondary, higher, etc.). Therefore, over the years of the existence of mankind, education has acquired a very ramified structure.
Thirdly, it is a purposeful and continuous process and the result of the development of each personality with the help of scientifically organized upbringing and training. But this is not enough. The functions of education must necessarily include the formation of self-education skills. The fact is that as the information society develops, they will be necessary for the successful functioning of it. Therefore, each child must be taught to educate himself. All institutions are required to create an enabling environment for this process.
Fourth, it represents the achieved, as well as the specific qualification established by a person, confirmed by a document (certificate, certificate, diploma and so on).
The social functions of education include the following groups:
First, the formation of moral and intellectual potential of society can occur in educational institutions. The fact is that a properly organized process should become the basis for designing the future resource of the state.
Secondly, a well-educated education will contribute to the political, cultural, technological and economic development of the whole society. But in order to achieve this, special attention must be paid to each young member of the state and its socialization.
Thirdly, the functions of education include the upbringing, training and development of each individual in the interests of herself, as well as society. That is why it is very important to prepare children to be successful in modern society. In addition, it is necessary to instill the skills of safe, but transformative activities in accordance with the existing scientific and technological progress.
The second large group is the personal functions of education, which must be implemented in the educational process, ensuring the predominant role of development over the learning process.
Therefore, all the actions of adults must be aimed at revealing the personal, intellectual and creative potential of each child, regardless of their abilities and capabilities. Thanks to this paradigm, inclusive education has emerged that is aimed at working with individuals with limited physical abilities. In addition, there are a large number of developments for organizing the educational process with gifted children and so on.
Therefore, the functions of the institution of education should include both the social and personal aspects.