education

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | 700+ words | Copyright

education Process, either formal or informal, of acquiring knowledge and skills, leading to the development of understanding, attitudes and values. Formal education is organized instruction undertaken by society. The Egyptians and Sumerians founded the first schools in c.3000 bc. In c.387 bc, Plato founded a school of philosophy, known as the Academy. The Renaissance and the invention of printing saw an expansion in formal education. The Enlightenment brought new disciplines and teaching methods. The early 19th century saw the beginnings of state education. In 1841, Friedrich Froebel opened the first kindergarten. Elementary education became free and compulsory throughout most of Europe by the early 20th century. In the UK, the Education Act (1944) established a system of comprehensive schools.

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