Topic 1: Why do we educate children?

Aims

·       To understand that there are a variety of reasons why countries develop education systems

The education system varies around the world, these variations are often because of historic changes. Systems have arisen out of specific needs at specific times; for example the teaching of reading is linked to the development of the industry and the need for workers to be able to follow written instructions, however, there are also ideological reasons for the development of education systems based on the current beliefs for the needs of children. Many sociologists have been critical about the education system, believing is to be associated with control more than educating children.

What is education?

Education is the process where by the collected knowledge of a culture is passed onto people, usually children. In the UK all children aged 5-16  (18 for those born after September 1^st 1997) must receive an education, but the do not necessarily have to go to school. They can be taught at home.

Informal education

All societies educate children, in the past this used to be done by parents at home or through normal daily activities. This type of education to the skills of adulthood is also known as informal education.

Formal education

Modern society’s have highly developed education systems with professional educators teaching in complex institutions and often preparing students for public examinations. There is a significant debate at all levels of society as to the purpose of education and what essential knowledge should be passed on. These debates are often influenced by the beliefs of people who are in power and their beliefs about what children need to know.

Historic reasons foe development of education systems

There are a number of historic and social reasons why we have an education…