Ideas for understanding education and learning.
Formal, informal and non-formal education. THE BIG IDEA When we hear the word education, most of us immediately picture a classroom. A teacher at the front, students sitting at desks, books, assignments, examinations, grades, and eventually, perhaps, a certificate or degree. That is formal education. This is only one form of education. A child learning…
Why the two concepts shouldn’t be treated as identical. THE BIG IDEA We often use the words education and learning as though they mean exactly the same thing. We say:“I got my education at university.”“I’m learning at university.”“Education is important.”“I love learning.” The words are closely connected, but they are not identical, and understanding the…
Education Beyond School, Degrees and Certificates THE BIG IDEA When most people hear the word education, they probably think about school. A classroom, a teacher, homework, examinations, a university and a degree. There is nothing wrong with any of these things. They are important parts of education, but they are not education itself. Education is…