Foundations of Education

LECTURER: DR. CARMEL ROOFE-BOWEN

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 mans 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 ones 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 education
Informal 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 societys youths gain the common understandings and skills that will enable the society to develop.

Education vs. Schooling

Education
Lifelong Open-ended All encompassing Growth oriented Self-directed

Schooling
Time-bound Structured/formal Content and skill

oriented Occupation directed/ teacher directed

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 societys norms and values/way of life of the particular locale in order to preserve society
equipping an individual to earn a living and improve

ones social status

Purposes of education contd

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 contd

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 Contd

Teacher Role model
Facilitate learning
Provide career guidance

Role of Stakeholders Contd

Government bodies
Set policy guidelines

Monitor schools
Provide resources

Role of stakeholders Contd

Professional bodies Provide on-going training for its members
Set guidelines that govern how members operate

Role of stakeholders Contd

Employers Provide 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/P art1/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