The modern concept of education takes into consideration the social setting in which the interaction between the educator and the educand takes place. Thus, education is a three-dimensional process.
The view that education is a tri-polar process was given by John Dewey. In Dewey’s own words, “All education proceeds by the participation of the individual in the social consciousness of the race.” He believed that any system of education devoid of its social significance is incomplete.
In a democratic society, every activity should develop out of the real needs of the group. Education must cater to the individual as well as the social needs. Child’s instincts, urges, impulses and tendencies have to be directed towards the socially desirable channels.
This is possible when the child participates in the social situation and there is interaction involving the educator, the educand and the social environment.