LECTURER: DR. CARMEL ROOFE-BOWEN

Foundations of Education

Focus of session

Definition of education

Forms of education

Definition of Schooling

Purpose of education

Characteristics of an educated person

Defining education

Education is not a preparation for life, rather it is the living. Education is the process of living through a continuous reconstruction of experiences. It is the development of all those capacities in the individual which will enable him to control his environment and fulfill his possibilities (John Dewey).

Education is the creation of a sound mind in a sound body. It develops man’s faculty, especially his mind so that he may be able to enjoy the contemplation of supreme truth, goodness and beauty of which perfect happiness essentially consists (Socrates).

Defining education?

Education is also seen as the process by which society transmits its knowledge, morals, values, customs, skills from one generation to another.

Education is the sum total of one’s learning experiences during a lifetime. It is the total process of human learning by which knowledge is imparted, faculties trained and skills developed

Forms of education

Since education is seen as a lifelong process it can take a variety of forms in a variety of settings. It can be

formal non-formal informal

Formal education

Formal education is learning that is carefully structured by means of syllabuses and timetables. The teaching provided is usually supervised by an external administrative body. Achievement is rewarded by the award of certificates

Non-formal education

Non-formal education is any organized learning activity outside the structure of the formal education system that is consciously aimed at meeting specific learning needs.

Informal educationInformal education is not structured and most

of the learning that occurs is almost unconscious. This form of education is not associated with awards or certificates.

Defining schooling

Schooling is a formalized educational process which takes place in institutions that provide certification. Schooling is where the society’s youths gain the common understandings and skills that will enable the society to develop.

EducationEducation SchoolingSchooling

LifelongOpen-endedAll encompassingGrowth orientedSelf-directed

Time-boundStructured/formalContent and skill

orientedOccupation

directed/ teacher directed

Education vs. Schooling

Purposes of education

The purposes of education are not necessarily fixed. They are changeable and relative. Purposes of education may change based on political, social and economic issues.

Some of the purposes of education may include: a means of transmitting cultural heritage. This

involves passing on society’s norms and values/way of life of the particular locale in order to preserve society

equipping an individual to earn a living and improve one’s social status

Purposes of education cont’d

Education may seek to:

develop critical thinking skills so that an individual is conscious of conditions in his life and society and use the necessary skills to act on them

prepare future generations for the social and economic system of a country

foster certain behaviour/attitudes in individuals that lead towards good citizenship

Who is an educated person?

An educated person is one who has undergone a process o f learning that results in enhanced mental capability to function effectively in familiar and novel situations, in personal and intellectual life (Mohanan 2003).

An educated person should have a deep understanding of self and how their purposes in the world

Characteristics of an educated person

Some of the characteristics of an educated person may include:

teachable – the individual should be open to corrects, new knew knowledge and does not believe that he or she is the only knowledgeable person.

able to understand facts and figures, correlate them in his mind and use them productively

possess problem-solving skills and be able to make rational and wise decisions

Characteristics of an educated person cont’d

possess the ability to persevere

a sense of respect to all regardless of gender, race, physical appearance etc.

possess deep integrity

***In enabling the individual to develop these characteristics there is a role for family,

teachers and members of the wider society

What is training?

Training

Training is the imparting of information and or skills to an individual to improve his/her level of performance or competence.

Examples of situations for training include -operating/designing a motor car - preparing meals - designing/creating a garment -designing/constructing a building

Stakeholders in education

Teacher

Parents

Students

Government-MOE

Professional bodies/associations

Employers***See handout on Stakeholders in education for additional information

Role of stakeholders in education

Parents

create positive home environment.

Provide support by being involved in school life

Role of Stakeholders Cont’d

TeacherRole model

Facilitate learning

Provide career guidance

Role of Stakeholders Cont’d

Government bodies

Set policy guidelinesMonitor schoolsProvide resources

Role of stakeholders Cont’d

Professional bodiesProvide on-going training for it’s members

Set guidelines that govern how members operate

Role of stakeholders Cont’d

EmployersProvide employment for graduates

Participate in educational activities through provision of sponsorships, grants and scholarships.

Communicate the skills needed in graduates

ACTIVITY

Based on your experience and given the Jamaican context, assess the effectiveness of each group of stakeholder discussed.

References

Satish Kumar & -Sajjad Ahmad (n.d) http://sol.du.ac.in/Courses/UG/StudyMaterial/16/Part1/ED/English/SM-1.pdf

The meaning of education to Jamaicans at home and in London Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Volume 4, Issue 2, 1975