Education is the process of learning, or teaching others to learn, typically by imparting knowledge or skills. Education can take place in a variety of settings, including schools, colleges and universities, trade schools, museums, churches, community centres, private businesses and many other places. There are a wide range of purposes for education, from the development of cognitive abilities and physical abilities to the establishment of values, beliefs and attitudes.
Some believe that the main purpose of education is to develop a well-rounded individual, capable of forming his or her own beliefs and values. Others view it as a means to achieve economic growth and progress, by nurturing a skilled labour force and encouraging innovation. Still others see it as a way to advance social equality and justice, or to foster critical thinking and creativity.
In some societies, children and adults get their education primarily from their parents or other adult mentors, with informal learning occurring in the home and out-of-school settings. As societies developed, they began to establish formal systems of education, starting with religious institutions and eventually extending into governments and public schools. Whether informal or formal, these educational institutions vary in size and scope, but most have the same basic goal: to teach students reading, writing, arithmetic and other subjects.
There are several theories of education, some of which emphasize the role of the teacher as a guide and the student as an active participant in the learning process. Others, like behaviourism and cognitivism, focus on the acquisition of specific skills. Then there are those, such as constructivism and social learning, who hold the belief that knowledge is created through personal experience and interactions with people and the world around us.
Most people agree that education should provide a variety of skills, such as computer literacy, communication and mathematics. It should also help individuals gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of the world and the global economy, promote civic awareness, develop the ability to understand and evaluate civic problems, and encourage a lifelong love of learning.
Some schools focus on teaching specific career paths, such as science or business. Other schools may offer general liberal arts programs, allowing students to choose their own concentrations. After high school, most young people continue their education at vocational training schools, community colleges or state universities, while adults often enroll in continuing education classes.
In the past, some countries focused on educating their workforce to ensure that they had the skills to compete in new industries, such as technology. In recent years, however, the emphasis has shifted to ensuring that all children receive a quality education, regardless of their family’s financial situation or ability to pay. This broad-based approach to education, known as the Universal Education Movement, has become a worldwide concern.