Introduction
Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the greatest weapon which you can use to change the world.” This quote has stuck with me ever since I came across it. This statement has shaped who I am and my vision. I strongly believe in the power of education to change lives and community hence the reason for my vision – “Develop rural communities of Nigeria through agricultural education.” Education is not just about writing and passing exams, It is the most powerful tool in assisting people discover who they are, what they can do and how they can become responsible citizens in their society and country at large (Dewey, 1916). My philosophy of education is that everyone regardless of race, gender or background should have access to quality education which is purposeful, impactful, practical and community-based especially in agricultural education. Curiosity, character, and competency should be developed through education such that learners are able to apply what they learn to their own lives as well as to the lives of others. (Roberts and Ball, 2009).
Core Beliefs about Education
I believe the primary goal of education is to help in personal development, community development and social good. Education is meant to help people think critically, act with integrity and to become responsible citizens. It should provide every individual regardless of race, gender or background with the opportunity to reach their potential and live a meaningful life. As an educator and change agent with a mission to help transform rural communities through agricultural education, this means helping rural youth realize that they too can be a part of something great either in agriculture, or community leadership or whatever path they choose.
In my experience working with rural youths through 4-H programs and agricultural education programs in Nigeria, I have seen firsthand how agricultural education can bridge the gap between knowledge and rural livelihood. When young people learn about modern agricultural practices, latest innovation in resources management etc., they gain confidence and a sense of responsibility and ownership in their future. Learning should not just be about class instruction; it should focus on connecting real life problems such as food security and unemployment to what is being taught in class.
Philosophical Foundations
Pragmatism – John Dewey’s theory of ‘learning by doing’ resonates very well with me because it talks about how people learn best by doing and through experience as opposed to passive listening. Dewey argued that people learn best through hands-on activities, solving real world problems and applying those experiences to reality. This whole process can be broken down into 3 main actions which involve doing, reflecting and applying. This whole process makes up the experiential learning model. This model is being applied in agricultural education using the 3-component model (classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experience and 4-H/FFA) where students can learn about farming, livestock, record keeping, and community development projects instead of only learning through classroom instruction (Croom, 2008). Dewey also believed that the classrooms should be treated as a small community where students are able to share, cooperate, communicate and have a sense of shared responsibility which is similar to my belief about what agricultural education should look like.
The positive youth development framework used by 4-H that talks about the four essential elements (belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity) has also shaped my thinking. These four essential elements provide individuals with life skills needed to be successful in life.
Teaching and Learning Applications
These philosophies have shaped me and helped me to successfully start a 4-H club in my home country Nigeria which focuses on providing rural youth with quality agricultural education. This combination of pragmatism by Dewey and the 4-H model of youth development has shaped how I see teaching and learning. Teachers are not just there to pass information across to students; they are mentors who ensure that every student experiences the whole experiential learning model. Teachers assume more than one role where they ensure the needs of the student are met by providing a safe environment where students ask questions, put ideas to test and reflect on their experiences.
My goal is to connect students learning to the realities of their immediate communities. It can be quite challenging doing this in rural schools of Africa where resources are scarce and quality of education is very low. For example, poor school infrastructure and lack of educational/instructional materials are some of the challenges experienced in African rural schools. However, by using local resources such as school gardens or community knowledge and having trained teachers who share similar beliefs and philosophy, an effective learning environment can be achieved even with limited resources.
Conclusion
My philosophy of education is simple. Learning should help liberate people and mold them to become a better version of themselves while also empowering their community and those around them. Personally, I believe education is a form of service to oneself, the community and the world. The education you get is not for you alone, but a tool which can be used to improve the lives of others and the world. As an Agricultural educator I want to impact young people with the right skills needed to be professional in whatever field they choose. It does not just end there but goes beyond who they become as an individual who is honest, generous, kind and focused on community development.
When all of this is achieved, it brings about a total transformation of not just the individual, but the world all around us.