Education is a Journey That Never Ends
Education is much more than going to school, passing exams and getting a degree. It shapes the way we think, helps us understand the world and gives us opportunities for the future.
But what makes education truly valuable? Is academic knowledge enough, or should schools also prepare us for real life?
In today’s post, you’ll find a useful word list on education followed by some questions for discussion.
Quotes about Education
- Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself. – John Dewey
- An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin
- Learning never exhausts the mind. – Leonardo da Vinci
- The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled. – Plutarch
- The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” – Aristotle
- Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. – Aristotel
Word List on Education
major in means specializing in a particular subject during university or college studies
спеціалізуватися в (галузі), навчатися за спеціальністю (галузь), обрати (галузь) як основну спеціальність у університеті.
- She decided to major in computer science to pursue software development.
- He plans to major in English literature and become a teacher.
- Many students major in business administration for diverse career options.
- It takes four years of rigorous coursework to major in mechanical engineering.
- What do you plan to major in next fall?
- It took two years before he finally decided to major in economics.
- She managed to double major in mathematics and philosophy.
- High school graduates who intend to major in biology must take chemistry.
- I major in linguistics.
go on to means to continue doing something
- Many high school seniors are keen to go on to university to study law.
- Graduates who are keen to go on to further study often apply for master’s programs.
- She is extremely keen on going on to higher education after taking a gap year.
- Students who show genuine interest are usually keen to go on to higher education.
be inclined towards means having a natural tendency, preference, or disposition for something (or toward a specific action, opinion, or subject) бути схильним до…, мати схильність до…,
- She was always inclined towards arts rather than mathematics.
- Students who are naturally inclined towards research often thrive in graduate school.
- He is more inclined towards hands-on engineering than theoretical physics.
- She tends to be inclined towards optimism when facing challenges.
- Younger entrepreneurs are often more inclined towards taking risks.
- Many students are inclined towards studying abroad.
have a passion for = have a strong, intense enthusiasm, devotion, or love for a subject, activity, or cause
мати пристрасть / захоплення до
Synonyms: be passionate about, have a love for, be devoted to, be enthusiastic about.
- She has a genuine passion for teaching young learners.
- It takes time for students to develop a passion for independent research.
- He moved to the capital to pursue his passion for theater.
- A great teacher can ignite a passion for learning in any student.
- She turned her lifelong passion for gardening into a career.
give up on means to stop expecting success, improvement, or help from a person, or to abandon a goal, project, or habit because it seems hopeless; зневіритися в комусь, поставити хрест на комусь, відмовитися від (ідеї/мрії)
- A good teacher never gives up on a struggling student.
- After years of unreliability, her friends finally gave up on her.
- It is vital not to give up on yourself when preparing for difficult exams.
- She refused to give up on her dream of studying abroad.
- Researchers haven’t given up on finding a cure.
- Don’t give up on him just yet.
go into – enter a profession, field, or career
іти працювати в (галузь), обирати фах
- go into teaching / medicine / law / business
- She decided to go into teaching after finishing university.
- Many graduates choose to go into research.
- What profession would you like to go into?
dissertation vs thesis
Dissertations and theses (the plural of thesis) are both lengthy research papers written for higher education, especially as part of a master’s or doctorate program. Informally the words dissertation and thesis are often used interchangeably, which only adds to the confusion. However, in the formal academic world, their meanings are different.
In American English, a dissertation is a highly involved research paper written as a requirement to earn a doctorate degree. When we say “highly involved,” we mean it; dissertations run 300 pages or more, essentially becoming a book-length research paper. Dissertation may also involve a dissertation defense, an oral presentation in front of a panel of experts, in addition to the paper.
In American English, a thesis paper is a lengthy research paper written as a requirement to earn a master’s degree (or sometimes a bachelor’s degree, depending on the university).
In British English, the term dissertation is used for bachelor’s and master’s programs, whereas thesis is used for doctorates.
- I’m supposed to have handed in a first draft of my dissertation.
- Each student has a supervisor to advise on the writing of the dissertation.
- Diploma and certificate courses do not normally require the submission of a dissertation.
- I’m still doing research for my thesis.
- He wrote his doctoral thesis on contemporary French literature.
Education: Discussion
What is the Best Age to Start Learning a Language?
I think the best age to start learning a foreign language is as early as possible, ideally in childhood. Young children usually learn languages more naturally because they are good at copying sounds, remembering new words and learning through games and everyday communication.
Another advantage is that children are not usually afraid of making mistakes. They can listen to a language, repeat what they hear and gradually develop good pronunciation. If they start early, they also have more time to practise and become fluent.
However, I don’t think adults are too old to learn a language. Adults often have better concentration and can understand grammar more easily. They can also use their experience and knowledge of other languages to learn more efficiently.
In my opinion, starting young is an advantage, but motivation is even more important than age. A motivated teenager or adult can learn a foreign language very successfully if they practise regularly and have enough opportunities to use it.
Stages of Language Learning
- You start hearing and seeing the language. You become familiar with common sounds, words and expressions.
- You learn simple vocabulary and grammar and can make short sentences. You can introduce yourself, ask simple questions and talk about everyday topics.
- You learn more words, grammar structures and useful expressions. You can understand and produce longer sentences.
- You can speak more easily without translating every sentence in your head. You start using the language more spontaneously.
- You work on grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and natural expressions. You become better at noticing and correcting your mistakes.
- You can discuss complex topics, understand most authentic materials and express your ideas clearly. You can use the language for study, work and social situations.
- Language learning never really ends. You continue reading, listening, speaking and learning new vocabulary to maintain your level and become more natural.
Briefly speaking, learning a language is a gradual process. First, you become familiar with the language, then you learn to communicate in simple situations, and gradually you develop fluency and accuracy.
How does learning English compare with other learning experiences such as learning how to dance, to drive, to play the piano, to ski, etc.?
I think learning English is quite similar to learning other skills, such as driving, dancing or playing the piano. In all these cases, you need regular practice, patience and motivation. You also make mistakes, and this is a normal part of the learning process. However, learning a language is different because English is not just a skill — it is also a way of communicating with other people. You can use it in many different situations. Another difference is that you can never really stop learning a language because there are always new words and expressions to learn.
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