education

Education is the set of processes by which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, values, and dispositions. It encompasses formal schooling, informal learning, and non-formal education, and occurs across life stages and settings. The formal system typically includes organized instruction in schools and institutions, with curricula, assessments, and qualifications. Informal education occurs through daily activities, family life, media, and communities, while non-formal education includes structured programs outside the formal school system, such as literacy classes or vocational training.

Educational systems are usually organized into levels, including early childhood education, primary or elementary education, secondary education, and tertiary or higher education. Vocational and technical training, adult education, and continuing professional development supplement traditional pathways. The aims of education include developing literacy and numeracy, enabling personal growth, preparing citizens for participation in society, and enhancing economic opportunities.

Policy and governance shape access to education, curriculum content, teacher qualification, funding, and quality assurance. Equity and inclusion seek to reduce disparities tied to socioeconomic status, gender, disability, and geography. Education systems measure progress through standardized assessments, credentials, and outcomes such as graduation rates and employment.

Contemporary education faces challenges and trends such as ensuring universal access, integrating technology, supporting teachers, and promoting lifelong learning in a rapidly changing economy. Debates focus on funding, standardized testing vs. holistic assessment, and the balance between local autonomy and national or international standards. Education policy increasingly emphasizes inclusive, learner-centered approaches and the use of data to inform improvement.