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 educatio