The History Of Education
The practice of education has changed throughout the ages to meet the needs of society and is thought to have started as a form of enculturation, where the transmission of knowledge and cultural values were passed onto the next generation. Today, education empowers individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to help nations succeed in economic growth, create and maintain social equality, innovate, and enhance global citizenship.
Current global systems of education differ greatly from one another, with leaders in the field continually adapting new schools of thought and pedagogical practices; Finland, for example, has a high-performing primary system but does not assign traditional homework or have long school hours.
Education Throughout The Ages
Some of our earliest records of education have been found to be among the ancient Egyptians, c.3500 BC, with evidence discovered to show that priests would strengthen and preserve their culture by retaining strict, traditional thinking. Later, the ancient Greek philosophers would bring intellectual concepts and practices such as critical thinking, scientific reasoning, debating and logic, which set the foundation for many of our current Western educational systems.
Many centuries on, a new age would require another major jump in the world’s learning. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century saw a vast increase in factories and machinery, which meant there was a demand for new skills. Governments invested heavily in training, making education more accessible to all. The revolution bought about major reform, including compulsory education laws and the establishment of public schooling systems.
Rapid Transformation
During the 19th and 20th centuries, education became more progressive, especially under reformers such as American philosopher John Dewey. He challenged traditional schooling methods and pushed for more experimental, active learning that promoted democracy in the classroom.
Modern technology has brought with it transformation to the educational space at an ever accelerating pace. It will continue to become a major influence in future classrooms, too. Looking ahead, artificial intelligence, customised learning, specialised curricula, global classrooms and inclusive education will all play a more significant part.
Theory Of Knowledge
The theory of knowledge, or epistemology, is an area of philosophy that explores the fundamental principles of how education is taught, how knowledge is acquired and the importance of interdisciplinary learning. This field helps us to deepen our understanding of the role knowledge plays in culture and its global impact. By doing so, we can grasp the limits of our understanding, take responsibility for the formation of our beliefs, avoid cognitive biases and explore the ethical implications of education.
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Gavin Crewe is a regular contributor of informative articles to Oxford Home Schooling.
