Contemporary Issues of Education - Essay Example

Education Outline EDUCATION I. Introduction II. Types and levels of education III. Education aspects A. Rules and Regulations B. Funding C. Examinations IV. Impact of education A. Leadership B. Career C. Jobs D. Economy V. Conclusion Introduction One of the global millennium goals is to eradicate illiteracy in the world. Indeed, relevant governments and organizations like the World Bank, United Nations, and other foundations like the Bill Gates foundation are in the front line to enhance the achievement of this goal. Quite notable is the fact that the attainment of this goal varies from the developed to the developing nations across the globe with the developed nations having a higher notch in education achievements. The eradication of illiteracy refers to attainment of standard levels of education. Education is a fundamental right entrenched in the constitution of many nations. Generally, education defines an avenue through which accumulated knowledge, cultures, values, technical skills, and customs passes from one generation to another through a well-defined system under the law. It takes place in an institution of learning famously known as a school following a system known as a curriculum. In fact, we acquire education through training, learning, research, and experimentations. The process of acquiring education is expensive and thus requires funding either from the government or from individuals. Moreover, there are different types of education that take place in variant levels of education. Nevertheless, the education process has no end with more education advancements becoming requisite with the ever-increasing societal needs. We refer to education givers as tutors, lecturers, or teachers depending on the level and type of education they are offering. However, at any level, there is assessment inform of examinations that measures success in education. Most significant, is the impact of education in the society where it ultimately helps individuals make the right decisions. Types and Levels of Education It is arguably true that education has undergone many revolutions and restructuring in the recent times but its uniqueness and impact remains unraveled. The revolution has brought about different categories of educations that apply in variant countries. In general, we have three types of education that include formal education, adult education, and special education. Formal education is the streamlined type of education that encompasses the process of getting primary education, higher education and full time professional training as well as extra-curricular activities. It is the most fundamental type of education that is relevantly applicable to students seeking professional careers. The top cream of formal education includes university professors with a PhD and requisite teaching experience. We also have adult education that defines the process of educating adults. This takes different forms that include self-directed learning, formal class based learning, and e learning. Indeed, in most cases it takes place online. Then we have special education that refers to the practice of educating students who require special learning needs. The eligibility, plan, and mode of offering this type of education lie in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The three types of education takes place in four levels that include early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, and higher education. Early childhood education takes place in the nursery school and kindergarten marking the basic stage and beginning of formal education. At this level, children between 3-5 years of age learn how to develop fundamental skills. Next, we have the primary or elementary education that is mostly compulsory in many countries and runs for 6-8 years. Pupils starting at the age of 5 or 6 years attain basic literacy and establish foundations in a variety of subjects at this level. Subsequently, we have secondary education that marks the final stage of school education in a child’s adolescence. This level of education entails specialization, career choices, and selective training. Moreover, we have the higher education level, which is not compulsory but advisable. It takes place in tertiary institutions that includes colleges and universities and encompasses undergraduate, postgraduate education, vocational education, and training. To complete higher requires a lot of resources and commitment that results to the award of academic degrees, diplomas or certificates that guarantee job security and better remuneration. Education Aspects The process of acquiring decent and effective education is a serious affair that requires reasonable administration. As such, every school has education administrators who organizes and manages the administration, support staff, and students to ensure success in an educational institution. They set out policies and rules that govern the code of ethics and conduct in the institution. Indeed, rules and regulations generally defines how a student should behave, disciplinary measures, and performance standards of a given education institution. Parents and students should understand and strive to comply with the set rules and regulations to ensure effective learning. Most notable in the policy paper of any institution is the financial aspect of the programs in place. To this end, education requires a lot of funding at all levels. Most governments, companies, and non-governmental organizations have established variant education programs that offer financial support to the learners. These include free primary and secondary education, subsidized tuition fees, scholarships that apply differently in various countries. At the same time, special education warrants special attention terms of formulation, funding, and delivery. More so, assessments and examinations couples the education system at any level. Indeed, the significance of examinations in the education process stands out as the measure of success. A learner can only proceed from one level of education to the next one upon doing standard examinations and attaining the set performance standards. Ideally, the passing of examinations leads to recognition in terms of awards and promotions. Hence, to ensure fairness, we have internationally recognized examination bodies that set and gauge the relevance of examinations although institutions also offer internal examinations to their students. Far from that, education process also includes participation in extra-curricular activities, which is in most cases compulsory for purposes of building academicians that are physically fit. Impact of Education It is arguably true that education has myriad impact on the society. It is common knowledge that education is the key to many avenues in life. Education forms the basis of any society. It provides necessary skills that impart their lives physically, mentally and socially in the real life society. Additionally education has immense effects on the economic wealth, political stability, and social prosperity of any nation. The higher the level of education the better it is for any individual or nation for its cohabitation. Higher education guarantees the health of any nation through the well-trained health care providers and improved knowledge on health issues. Education sets an efficient system where it prepares and qualifies them for society work, economic development, and social integration. Through education, a society conserves its culture and norms and subsequently passes them to other generations. Moreover, education instills leadership qualities and continuity by preparing the young generation for future leadership roles. Education equally contributes to unity in a given society where it provides a forum that teaches the society on how to tackle societal problems and disputes (Unger 377-400). Through research, education subjects the society to technological advancements, new ideas, better decision-making processes, and effective performance in the workplace. These impacts are very relevant in defining the economic stability and development of any society. Education establishes professional careers, secures good jobs, and offers many resourceful opportunities. Most assuredly, education brings forth an aspect of respect and identity as it calls for huge sacrifice, many resources, and a lot of time to succeed in the process. With the personal, social, political, and economic impacts of education, it is justifiable that education is one of the fundamental aspects of human life. Hence, the eminent concern it draws from governments, companies, individuals, and non-governmental organizations. Conclusion Education is one of the most significant factors that define human life. Indeed, it is a human right in many countries and attracts global concern. Three types of education include formal education, adult education, and special education. The four levels of education include early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, and higher education. To ensure an effective education system we require education administrators, funding, rules and regulations, examinations, and adequate participation in extra-curricular activities. Upon success in the education process, education has immense impact on the economy, politics, social life, and culture of a given society. Works Cited Unger, Harlow. Encyclopedia of American Education, Volume 1. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2007, Print. Read More