Learning objectives:
By the end of this lesson the learner should be able to;
Education is a process that improves human life and behavior by introducing knowledge, skills, and critical thinking. Education also refers to the result of going through a process or activities that add knowledge, and skills and impart critical thinking abilities to the student.
Education is different from indoctrination. Indoctrination is the process of repeating an idea or belief to someone until they accept it without criticism or question.
Types of Education
There are three main types of education. They are; formal education, informal education, and non-formal education.
Formal education
Formal education, also known as formal learning, takes place in an environment set aside for learning purposes, such as a school. There is a distinction between the student and the teacher. It has a subject-oriented syllabus that has to be covered within a specific time period. A syllabus is a requisite document in teaching. It serves to outline the basic elements of a course including what topics will be covered, a weekly schedule, and a list of tests, assignments, and their associated weightings.
This type of education sets clear learning objectives before learning begins. Both the teacher and learners are actively aware learning is taking place, and high levels of discipline are required. Examples of formal education are;
Informal education
Informal education or informal learning is an experience that an individual garners by undergoing regular practice and observing others. There is no syllabus to cover, and learning can take place at anytime and anywhere.
Informal education is a natural lifelong process. It is free and the learner learns from any source such as media, life experiences, people, and objects. Examples of informal education are;
Non-formal learning
Non-formal education or non-formal learning is a combination of formal learning and informal learning. It happens consciously and there is a teacher or instructor to guide learners through the process.
Non-formal education is planned for and aims to cater to the needs of a given group. This type of education happens in either a specified environment or in an unspecified setting. Examples of non-formal education are;
Importance of education
Education is broad and not limited to reading and writing. It affects how human beings interact with and understand the world. The various benefits education adds to human life are;
Education helps individuals to realize their full potential. Education makes one aware of their strengths and weaknesses. With this knowledge, one builds on the skills to advance their strengths and overcome limitations brought by their weaknesses.
Education sharpens critical skills. Education helps one develop critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and logical thinking skills. These are the skills required most for a better life.
Education brings more opportunities. While learning new skills and adding knowledge to a particular field, one broadens their perspective in that area. This makes it easier to identify new opportunities in that area and other areas as well.
Education helps in supporting a developed society. Members of society with the education of different cultures, different traditions, history, and science have a detailed and better view of problems in society. This ensures problems in society are solved in the best way possible.
Factors affecting education
Many factors affect the quality of education and how the education process takes place. These factors include physiological factors, psychological factors, and environmental factors.
Physiological factors
Physiological factors are factors relating to how a learner or bodily part functions are affected by the surrounding environment. These factors include; sense perception, physical health, fatigue time and time of learning, food and drink, age, and atmospheric conditions.
Psychological factors
The psychological factors of the learner that affect education are;
Environmental factors
Environmental factors are factors contributed by the conditions of the learning setting, such as schools. These factors are; working conditions and organizational setup.
Summary
We have learned that;
