The educational system currently aims to form a dynamic personality, with positive thinking, preserving and increasing material and spiritual values. Such a person correctly defines life goals, avoids the extremes of both collectivism and individualism. In this regard, the issue of personality development in educational psychology seems to be critical. Personality development is a process of natural personality change as a systemic quality of an individual due to socialization. Having anatomical and physiological prerequisites for personality development, in the process of socialization, children interact with the world around them. They master the achievements of humanity within the framework of activities controlled by a system of motives inherent in a given personality. However, many modern psychological concepts do not consider that many cultural, social, and political factors influence people in the process of development. The purpose of this paper is to discuss one of the articles related to identity development in educational psychology.
There are multiple problems in the modern educational system. For example, Martin (2004) argues that creating effective ways of mastering material and working with textbooks is not enough for meaningful learning. In addition to these aspects, psychologists and teachers need to build education into the system of universal human values. Students should receive not only knowledge from certain areas of science. They also need an understanding of the functioning of society, personal life, self-development, self-realization, and other important aspects of life. Unfortunately, this trend cannot be noted everywhere now, and many schools are limited to a standard set of subjects. This only allows them to create an educational base but does not contribute to personal development.
Another critical issue is the independence and completeness of the personality of each student. According to Martin (2004), the modern educational system needs to pay more attention to this. Each person, even at a young age, is a complex, unique, and inimitable creature. Therefore, by teaching them using the same system, it is impossible to achieve a prosperous, diverse, and productive society. It will be composed of the same people instead of relying on the merits of each individual. Therefore, teachers should not only know the material but also be sensitive to children. This will enable them to identify the strengths of each student and develop them.
There is also a problem in the lack of attention paid to the environment of the students. Martin (2004) states that some of the research papers do consider the context in which learners function. However, this usually refers to the influence of teachers or parents. At the same time, each student lives in a much more significant socio-cultural and historical background. They greatly influence the formation of personality and identity, so they should be given special attention. For example, when teaching certain subjects, teachers can use more than traditional material from textbooks. They have a great opportunity to resort to modern news and scientific developments. This is especially helpful in the humanities, such as history or linguistics.
An essential sign of our time is significant changes in all spheres of activity and life in general. The larger they become, the more powerful the influence they have on personality. In addition, acquired professional knowledge is not always enough, so people have to study regularly. Modern society can achieve positive results only through the transition to lifelong learning. Consequently, the education system needs to have such a structure and forms of education that closely link learning and life processes.
Reference
Martin, J. (2004). The educational inadequacy of conceptions of self in educational psychology. Interchange, 35(2), 185-208.