Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills and values. It is a lifelong process of learning and is influenced by many factors including social, emotional and physical development. Education has many forms and can be informal or formal, with some education taking place outside school. A person's education may take place at home, in the workplace or in a community setting and may be directed by an individual or organized school system.
People who work in the field of education are called educators. Someone who works in education may teach others by lecturing, demonstrating or directing discussions among students. People who work in educational administration or policy may oversee the curriculum and policies of schools, colleges or universities. An educational psychologist is a professional who evaluates and counsels students, teachers and parents on educational issues and psychological problems in the field of education.
Education is a concept that concerns the growing and developing of the mind. It involves the systematic instruction of individuals with respect to culture, typically through schooling or private instruction. Education produces skills and knowledge that are supposed to be acquired by a learner during their growth as a part of their upbringing.
These skills can then be applied later on in life as they develop into adulthood. Education also refers to the process by which one acquires these skills and knowledge. This can happen informally through interactions with others or through more formal means such as classes, school, and institutions.
The process of education is also commonly referred to as schooling. Schooling often takes place within an educational institution. Most schools are funded in whole or part by governments and private sources. Education has many different methods that can be used for instruction. There is a wide range of possible definitions for what education means.
Education also has different goals depending on where it is provided, who is being taught, and who should benefit from it. Many different methods may be used to teach students and help them acquire knowledge from those around them, including parents, extended family members, non-family members, teachers and other staff at schools, peers and mentors outside of school, books and media.
The definition of education may vary depending on who you ask. Some individuals believe that education should include activities that strengthen socialization skills and develop responsible citizenship.
Others consider education to include not only cognitive learning but also affective learning (learning that occurs outside the realm of cognitive thought). Still others believe that education should foster the development and expression of the whole person, including physical, emotional, aesthetic, moral, ethical, and spiritual dimensions.
In ancient times, all education was provided by parents. As communities grew larger and more complex, schools evolved to replace family and community as the main source of education.
Today, school is still considered the primary place where people learn new knowledge and skills. Education is an investment in one's future. It creates opportunities to develop one's mind, body and spirit.
There are many different types of educational institutions available to today's students. These institutions range from private for-profit firms to public for-profit firms to private nonprofit organizations to public nonprofit organizations. They may provide primary or secondary education or postsecondary education or both.
Their locations may be urban or rural; their student populations may be diverse in terms of socioeconomic characteristics or homogeneous; their curricula may focus on professional training or academic instruction.
