Education refers to the process of transmitting knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to another.
Education encompasses formal, informal, and non-formal learning.
When they think of education, most people have formal education in mind. It refers to a structured and systematic form of learning that is delivered to students by trained teachers within educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities. Formal educational institutions follow standardized guidelines set by public organizations and recognized private bodies, collectively constituting the formal education system of a nation. In contrast to informal and non-formal education, which allow for more flexible learning experiences, formal education typically takes place in a classroom setting and is usually mandatory for children up to a certain age.
Informal education refers to the spontaneous process of cultivating learning through conversation and experience. It can take place anywhere and at any time and may include friends sharing life experiences, parents teaching practical skills to their children, or specialized educators encouraging reflection. Informal education occurs in various contexts, generally through conversation and being with others. Thus, it is a dynamic and unpredictable form of learning.
Non-formal education often serves as an addition, alternative, or complement to formal education. While it is generally a planned, structured program of personal and social education, it doesn't necessarily follow a continuous pathway structure. It may be brief and provided through short courses, workshops, or seminars.
Drawing from my own experiences, a paramedic program includes formal academic education and skills training, much of it taking place in a classroom. However, before they become eligible to sit for a certification (or licensure) exam, they must spend a specified number of hours in various hospital departments and do ride-outs with an EMS service, where they observe and practice what they have learned in real-life situations. This is an example of non-formal education.
The success or failure of formal education is determined by several factors, many of which are not under the school's control. These include 1) Academic preparedness: entry standards and prior academic achievement impact student success, as those who are well-prepared academically tend to perform better; 2) Teaching strategies: effective teaching methods, such as engaging lectures, active learning, and personalized feedback, contribute to positive outcomes; 3) Motivation and approach to studying: a student's motivation, study habits, and time management affect their performance; 4) Social support and environment: a supportive learning environment, including peer interactions, family encouragement, and positive school culture, fosters success; 5) Psychosocial factors: emotional well-being, stress management, and resilience impact academic achievement; 6) Cultural expectations: cultural norms and expectations influence a student's approach to learning and adaptation to academic life; 7) Socioeconomic status: economic factors can affect access to resources, tutoring, and extracurricular activities, which can influence success; 8) School quality: the quality of education, resources, and teacher expertise plays a crucial role in student outcomes; 9) Student agency and autonomy: empowering students to take ownership of their learning enhances success; 10) Accountability and program outcomes: student achievement is improved when schools focus on clear learning outcomes and accountability measures.
Education is often categorized into different levels or stages of learning. Countries and other regional bodies often adopt national standards that dictate these stages, among other things.
One framework is the International Standard Classification of Education, maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This classification encompasses both formal and non-formal education and distinguishes levels based on factors such as the student's age, the duration of learning, and the complexity of the content covered. Other criteria include entry requirements, teacher qualifications, and the intended outcome of successful completion. The levels are grouped into early childhood education (level 0), primary education (level 1), secondary education (levels 2-3), post-secondary non-tertiary education (level 4), and tertiary education (levels 5-8).
The United States has no mandated national standard curriculum, as education is supposed to be determined at the local level. However, many states and school districts have adopted the Common Core State Standards Initiative, whose goal is to increase consistency across state standards for K-12 education.
The focus of this category and its subcategories is on education.
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Official website of an independent, nonprofit organization that provides the education and workforce development sectors with assessment, research, information and program management services. The website contains registration, preparation and other information on taking the college admissions test. The website also provides information on the organization's international services, research and policy reports as well as on employment opportunities.
https://www.act.org/
Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics
The Atlanta Institute of Aesthetics is a nationally recognized esthetics program that offers beauty, makeup, and cosmetology training, with a solid foundation of courses in anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the skin, access to the latest technologies, and clinical experience with real clients. Its programs, courses of study, teacher training, certifications, class schedules, and career opportunities are set forth, with an overview of its admissions policies, contacts, and a blog.
https://atlantainstituteofaesthetics.com/
Concorde, Universal Technical Institute's healthcare division, operates seventeen campuses across eight states under the brands Concord Career College and Concorde Career Institute. It offers healthcare and dental career education and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Council on Occupational Education. Its Kansas City campus offers online and on-campus programs. Its admissions policies and contacts are posted.
https://www.concorde.edu/
Construction Management Degree
The Construction Management Degree program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to manage construction projects from start to finish. It covers project management, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, safety, and sustainability. It is taught by seasoned members of the construction industry who bring practical knowledge to the classroom. While the site provides information about construction management programs, no location is provided.
https://constructionmanagementdegree.org/
Created by Mike Maggart, a high school math teacher who also worked as a private tutor, the online platform offers comprehensive tutoring covering 5th-grade Math to Algebra 2, math test prep courses ranging from the SAT to the ACUPLACER placement test to the ASVAB military test, as well as complete homeschooling math courses. Memberships are available for Test Prep, K12, and College. Its teachers are introduced, and client reviews, an informational blog, and contacts are included.
https://www.mathhelp.com/
Serving as a comprehensive resource for current and prospective students, the OEDb is intended to offer individuals the tools they need to make informed decisions about their educational paths and careers. For example, it offers information about financial aid options, allows users to compare college programs, and allows them to explore a school's accommodations for students with disabilities. Free guides and school rankings are included. Revenue is generated by advertising certain programs.
https://www.oedb.org/
PBS Kids is a brand for most of the children's programming from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States. Its target audience is children between the ages of two and eight, and it offers educational games, videos, mobile applications, and shows from cartoon characters like Curious George and Wild Kratts. Additionally, the website provides online learning collections with activities and tips on math, science, reading, and the arts for children. Parent resources are included.
https://pbskids.org/
Founded as a construction business in the 1840s, Pearson switched to publishing in the 1920s. In 2013, the company merged its Penguin Books label with Bertelsmann, and, in 2015, it announced a change of focus entirely on education. Pearson now offers electronic textbooks, videos, and study tools on a subscription basis. Students can shop for college textbooks, download study tools, browse titles and teaching resources by discipline or subject, and watch videos prepared by experts.
https://www.pearson.com/
Specializing in the provision of accredited electrical courses, including the 17th Edition training Wire Regulations course, public courses are scheduled regularly in cities and towns throughout the United Kingdom, offering essential and skills-based trade courses for the building and construction industries. Upcoming course schedules, locations, course descriptions, and costs are published on the website, along with start and end dates. Contacts are provided.
https://www.trade-skills.com/
Created in 2008, United Medical Education is designed to offer Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Basic Life Support (BLS) training, certification, and recertification online. After registration, applicants will be guided through a series of core concepts in preparation for the final exam. Illustrated algorithms and guidelines clarify the learning process, including free online manuals. Online registration, CME, and CEUs are provided.
https://www.acls-pals-bls.com/
USA Center for Continuing Education
As part of the University of South Alabama in Mobile, the USA Center for Continuing Education has various programs and course offerings that help students and the local community succeed. With focuses in areas such as Interdisciplinary Studies and Hospitality and Tourism Management, we have a diverse array of learning opportunities for all students. Also, to help our students succeed, we offer great resources like the English Language Center, Writing Center, and Developmental Studies department.
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/globalusa/cce/
