Education
Meaning: The term “Education” is derived from two Latin words Educare (Educere) and Educatum. “Educare” means to train or mould and “Educatum” means the act of teaching.
Definition: Education is a comprehensive process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes through formal and informal learning experiences. It involves the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication abilities. Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
The act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge, developing the powers of reasoning and judgment, and generally of preparing oneself or others intellectually for mature life.
Education is the process of developing capability of the individual so that they can adequately response to their situation. It is the process of bringing desirable change into the behavior of human being in terms of knowledge, attitude, skill, values and habits.
Types of Education
According to the Coomb and Ahmad (1974) drew a distinction between the three type of education as fallows –
Informal education is the lifelong, unstructured learning process that occurs through everyday experiences, interactions, and observations within home, work, and social environments. It encompasses the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, and perspectives.
Formal education is a structured, institutionalized learning system with defined curricula, qualifications, and progression levels. It typically spans from primary school to university and delivers systematic instruction.
Non-formal education is organized learning that takes place outside the formal school system. It provides specific skills or knowledge to particular groups, such as adults or specific professions, often with practical applications in mind. Examples include vocational training and agricultural extension programs.
Differences between Formal Education and Extension Education
It may however, be mentioned here that when extension education is put into action for educating the rural people, it does not remain formal education. In that sense, there are several differences between the two. Some of these differences are:
Sr. No. | Formal Education | Extension Education |
1 | The teacher starts with theory and works up to practical. | The teacher (extension worker) starts with practical and may take up theory later. |
2 | Students study subjects | Farmers study problems |
3 | Students must adapt to a fixed curriculum, after which they are examined and awarded degrees. | No fixed curriculum; farmers help to formulate it. No examinations or degrees. |
4 | Class attendance is compulsory | Participation is voluntary |
5 | The teacher instructs students; knowledge flows from teacher to learner. | The teacher teaches and learns from farmers simultaneously. |
6 | Teaching is mainly vertical | Teaching is mainly horizontal |
7 | The teacher addresses a homogeneous audience with common goals. | The teacher addresses a large and heterogeneous audience with diverse goals. |
8 | It is rigid, with strict adherence to institutional norms. | It is flexible, with freedom in subject choice. |
9 | Contains pre-planned and pre-decided programs | Has the freedom to develop local programs based on community needs and desires. |
10 | Focused on theoretical knowledge | Focused on practical knowledge, for real-world problem-solving. |
11 | Teaching is largely confined to institution premises. | Teaching primarily occurs outside the four walls of institutions. |
