Psychological Foundation of Education

Preface

This book has been prepared according to the latest curricula of M.A. (Education) and M.Ed. (Teacher Education) of different Indian Universities, but in tis own sequence.

Our Vedas and all philosophies based on the Vedas have explained the means of attaining knowledge specifically. The Shatdarshans have analysed the form of man and the factors of his behaviour in detail. Of these, Nyaya and Vaisheshik have analysed the form and functions of sense organs, Shankhya and Yog have analysed the form and functions of mind and Vedant and Mimansa have analysed the form and functions of the soul. Among these Yog psychology is a complete psychology in itself. Some western psychologists have also considered it as perfect as compared to western psychology. However, in the form of independent discipline, the study of psychology started at first in the western countries, so it comprises of more experiences from the western soil. Today the need is to look at it in the background of Indian psychology. I have taken a step forward in this direction. This is for you to see that how far the Indian psychology and your own experiences have found a place in this book.

Though psychology has been placed in the category of science, yet the truth remains that it is not a perfect science. First, all psychologists are not in agreement regarding any psychological concept, and second, the principles and laws that the psychologists have propounded in reference to any psychological aspect are varied. The truth remains that psychology is still in its formative stage. This is the reason that the students of psychology face difficulty in understanding the psychological concepts and in assimilating them. I have tried to make the psychological concepts clear on the bases of experiences of the readers themselves. In such a case they should not face any difficulty in understanding and assimilating them.

Though every effort has been made to present the subject- matter in a logical sequence and to understand the difficulties of the students and to solve them then and there and that too with the help of their own experiences, yet I can not claim that the book is complete in all respects. The suggestions of the readers would be welcome with thanks.

Any work can be completed by the grace of God, so I bow before Him at first. I have taken help of so many scholars, directly or indirectly, I feel grateful to them all, especially to the authors and publishers of the titles which I have consulted and have quoted here and there in the book for reference.

-Raman Behari Lal