Discussion about the dual purpose of education: Why are there schools?

Recently the phenomenon of after-class tuition has been pushed to a new height. According to surveys, 30% to 50% of Chinese students report participating in extracurricular lessons, whether to catch up with the standard curriculum or to exceed it. But why do so many students choose to add classes to their busy schedule? What is the dual purpose of education? This essay will explore the topic further from two perspectives: academic and social, before giving the author's opinion.
Firstly, education can help a student become a better person. Education helps students accumulate basic knowledge from learning. But a wide knowledge base is insufficient when facing fields requiring specialized expertise. So education must include teaching students efficient learning methods. However, the combination of these two isn't enough, because you still lack essential intellectual character such as patience, concentration and self-improvement, when facing difficulties and setbacks. The career of Marie Curie exemplifies this trinity. Her discovery of radium required not only profound scientific knowledge and meticulous experimental methods, but, most critically, years of unwavering patience and dedication in the face of immense physical hardship and societal skepticism.

Secondly, education can also promote social development. First of all, a highly-educated workforce, particularly elite scientific researchers, can accelerate technological innovation. These people will contribute to the update and progress of society. Furthermore, education can also develop moral character, reduce crime and violence, and foster a positive social atmosphere. A society with a well-educated populace is undoubtedly able to develop more rapidly with fewer negative influences. Ultimately, education empowers everyone to contribute their best to society.This transformative power of education is clearly demonstrated by Finland's educational reforms, which have been instrumental in building not only a competitive economy but also one of the world's most innovative and socially cohesive nations.
In conclusion, individual (or academic) growth and social development are both vital purposes in education. However, the ultimate goal may be even more profound: to teach students how to appreciate, critique, and actively change the world with their own hands.