UNESCO'S FOUR PILLARS OF LEARNING FROM DELOR'S REPORT: LEARNING: A TREASURE FROM WITHIN
Our common future will depend on the degree to which we all become better world citizens. There are huge changes that take place in our world. Too much is being asked of schools and teachers hence there is a greater demand to cope and strike a balance between what is unchanging and what is changing. What is unchanging must remain, and so what is changing, should be dealt with?
When Jaques Delor wrote a report for the UNESCO entitled: Learning: A Treasure from Within, it was because he believes that "within each child lies a treasure." (Delors, 1996). The four pillars are seamlessly linked to each other.
Learning to Know - This implies thirst for knowledge and acquisition of such knowledge. More so, it is learning how to learn throughout one's life. After completing formal education, there should be a great desire to gain more understanding of the world and other people. An individual who is knowledgeable is literate. Being literate is always related to being knowledgeable. Thus the definition of the word literacy evolved through time. Here are some definitions made by the UNESCO.
Learning to Do - How can the knowledge and the methods be incorporated and enhanced towards the development of skills? To apply knowledge, one must have the 21" century skills. Qualifications now is equated to skills and not to knowledge alone. Can the knowledge gained be translated to application? Learning by doing is a pragmatist's view of life. Knowledge acquired is nothing unless applied in daily life.
Learning to Be - One of the most difficult things to do among the pillars is Learning to Be. It implies developing the potentials of each individual. Continuing education must improve self-knowledge and self-esteem. What would you like to BE? Answer to this question will require self-analysis, reflection, social skills, creativity and personal discovery. At this point in time, have you decided that you should really BECOME a TEACHER? Do you have now the skills that enable you to become one?
Learning to Live Together - This refers to the relationships among people. It is bringing in together a community to work harmoniously, to live in peace and prosperity and to show respect and concern for others. It also refers to interpersonal skills that will enable people to live side by side with others at home, in school, in the community and the whole world.
All the pillars are interrelated with each other as basic principles. One pillar will not function if it stands alone. There is a need to connect in order to address the 21st century demands for teaching and learning.