THE DECLINE OF THE MODERN PARADIGM IN EDUCATION

The education system is widely perceived to be functioning poorly, and this paper argues that there is in fact a deep crisis caused by the g ap between the system and the changing world that surrounds it. ''Post -modern'' conditions stress the production of information rather than the productivity of land or capital, and a relativistic world-view rat her than adherence to a fixed religion or ideology, which in turn give s rise to pluralism and shifting social frameworks. At the same time, the pursuit of Truth is no longer seen as the highest goal in life, an d the possession of proof of education is no longer a guarantee of acc ess to the ''Good Life''. Educational institutions are dysfunctional b ecause they remain wedded to outmoded parameters in their aims, activi ties, structures, methods and perceptions of their clientele. Through a wide-ranging review of recent conceptual debate and assessment of so cial trends, the paper explores the implications of radical contempora ry changes in the parameters: the search for a new paradigm of educati on has only just begun.