PRINCIPLES AND DIMENSIONS OF QUALITY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS:CHALLENGES IN A WAY TO HIGHER EDUCATION

This paper deals with the quality education in schools in Indian perspectives. A
quality education in schools is a strong base for the coming higher education. The India
philosophers and great thinkers have regarded quality of education as that which helps
children to become conscience and productive citizen so that they are able to face future
challenges in their life. Quality education includes: Learners who are healthy, wellnourished
and ready to participate and learn, and supported in learning by their families and
communities; Environments that are healthy, safe, protective and gender-sensitive, and
provide adequate resources and facilities; Content that is reflected in relevant curricula and
materials for the acquisition of basic skills, especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy and
skills for life, and knowledge in such areas as gender, health, nutrition, HIV/AIDS prevention
and peace; Processes through which trained teachers use child-centred teaching approaches
in well-managed classrooms and schools and skilful assessment to facilitate learning and
reduce disparities; Outcomes that encompass knowledge, skills and attitudes, and are linked
to national goals for education and positive participation in society. The authors try to
discuss the quality dimensions like teaching methods, teaching-learning environment,
teaching –learning process, teaching – learning materials, instructional strategies,
monitoring of the school activities and co-operation of the school management committees in
school activities. The present system of higher education does not serve the purpose for
which it has been started. In general education itself has become so profitable a business that
quality is lost in the increase of quantity of professional institutions with quota system and
politicization adding fuel to the fire of spoil system, thereby increasing unemployment of
graduates without quick relief to mitigate their sufferings in the job market of the country.
Thus, we should think of quality and quantity, both, in our education system. This will lead
the way of school education towards higher education