Abstract

Permanent orientation assumes a central role in the whole course of human existence. It is the goal to which the whole of society should strive: orient to be oriented. In this paper, critical issues arising from the atavistic problem of confusing the ends and means of education are highlighted. Through the investigation of some distortions concerning the educational system, the inability in the resolution of school dropout and inequality is revealed. The problem of orientation as a mere means of information close to moments of transition, together with the misrepresentation of orientation in the economy and the labor market, reveals the importance of orientation as a lifelong educational process. The fundamental role of teachers/orientators emerges in the analysis of some of the European and Italian policies and regulations on orientation. Finally, the role of pedagogues as apex figures in education and as a driving force for social and human progress globally is highlighted.