Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, but learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal settings such as schools, colleges, universities and training institutes, or in informal settings such as at the workplace, at home or in the community.
Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, but learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal settings such as schools, colleges, universities and training institutes, or in informal settings such as at the workplace, at home or in the community.
Education has been present in some form for most of human history. The earliest form of education was probably informal, with parents and other adults teaching children the skills they needed to survive and to live in their society. As societies became more complex, formal education systems developed to meet the needs of a more specialized workforce. The first known formal education system was established in ancient Egypt around 3000 BC.
In the Western world, the development of education was strongly influenced by the Greeks and Romans. Greek philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle believed that education was essential for the development of a good citizen. The Romans adopted many of the educational ideas of the Greeks, and they established a system of public education that was available to all citizens.
The Middle Ages saw a decline in education in Europe, as the Roman Empire collapsed and Europe entered a period of political and economic turmoil. However, education continued to be important in the Islamic world, where a number of universities were established during this period.
The Renaissance saw a revival of interest in education in Europe, and a number of new universities were founded. The Protestant Reformation also led to an increase in literacy, as Protestants believed that everyone should be able to read the Bible for themselves.
The 19th century saw the development of mass education in Europe and North America. Governments began to require children to attend school, and a number of new educational institutions were established.
There are many different types of education, each with its own goals and methods. Some of the most common types of education include:
Education has a number of benefits, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Some of the benefits of education include:
There are many different ways to get an education, and the best way for you will depend on your individual needs and goals. Here are a few things to consider when choosing an education option:
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to explore your education options. There are many different resources available to help you find the right education program for you.
The future of education is likely to be very different from the present. Technology is rapidly changing the way that we learn and teach. Online education is becoming more and more popular, and it is likely to continue to grow in the years to come. Virtual reality and augmented reality are also expected to play a major role in education in the future.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, education will become more important than ever before. Education is the key to unlocking human potential and to creating a better future for all.
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.