A Quick Peek into the Process Called Education

The term “education” is derived from Latin word “educatio” which could mean “a bringing up” or “a breeding.” The modern-day meaning of the word education could seem well relate to its origin. The simplest meaning of education nowadays is that is it the process of imparting knowledge, skills and values from one person to another. If connected to the origin of the term, education could mean the process of breeding or bringing up an individual into a person that he ought to be.

There are currently two educational stages -- compulsory and non-compulsory education. Compulsory education is a period of formal learning wherein young individuals are required to undergo. In the United Kingdom, this period usually starts from age four and a half and ends at age 16. However, UK’s Education and Skills Act of 2008 raised the compulsory education age to 17 effective in 2013, and 18 effective in 2015. Traditional and Montessori education both belong to this stage.

The non-compulsory education, meanwhile, refers to a period of formal learning not necessarily required. Individuals are given the choice whether to proceed to this education stage. After finishing formal traditional and Montessori education, a person could proceed to study a vocational course or choose to pursue an undergraduate degree. Vocational courses offer students to learn and specialize in a certain practical skill, without much concern with theories. In contrast, college courses offer students to concentrate on a certain field of knowledge, and embroil them with theories.

The process of imparting knowledge and skills is not an easy one. Approaches differ, from traditional to Montessori education. It takes time, effort and resources before the academe could mould students into persons they ought to be. Education, however, has always been successful in bringing up individuals who could contribute to the society development.