(the discussion focused on the two theories concerning the exact origin of education and the educational contributions of some ancient civilizations. The students were then made to write a reflection paper on the topics discussed.
Theories concerning the Origin of Education:
1. Theory of Divine Creation. In the beginning of time, God created man in His image and likeness and commissioned him to multiply and replenish the earth, and subdue it and have dominion over all other creations.God equipped man with intellect and free will which made him explore and enjoy the "Garden of Eden" but also made man ignore and disobey God.
With the first couple's disobedience, they severed the firmer relation with the Creator. Henceforth, they multiplied, passing the knowledge acquired from God to their offspring, until the time their children inhabited the earth possessing the intelligence they inherited: ability to communicate, read and write, knowledge in science and arts and skills in hunting, farming, fishing, etc. Due to man's superior intelligence and God-given talents, scientific advancements become part of man's existence, as he continue to educate oneself, his family and the generations to come.
2. Theory of Evolution. Evolutionists believed that education started when the very primitive man had just evolved from the lower primates, as he began his quest to find ways and means to feed, clothe, shelter and protect himself, and compete with other animals for survival. The survival of the fittest made man to educate himself.
Education at this point was on the simplest form characterized by the absence of reading, writing, or a comprehensive language. The education was informal and learning was through observation and imitation or apprentice for there were no existing schools yet.
Educational Contributions of Some Ancient Civilizations:
Primitive education. Education in the primitive times focused on vocational and religious orientation which aims for security and survival as well as for conformity and preservation and transmission of culture.
Hindu education. The aim of education is intellectual, religious and cultural which were done through methods like imitation and memorization of the Vedas to guide them in their daily activities. Their contribution to education is the decimal system of arithmetical notation, particularly the symbol "0"
Chinese education. Creer-oriented education characterized the Chinese type of education which were based on the Analects of Confucius. The administration of the Civil Service Examination which started during the Han Dynasty (206 BC) was considered a great contribution to education of today.
Egyptian education. The Egyptian has practical and empirical education as observed in the use of hieroglyphics (ancient picture-writing system); papyrus (ancient paper); mathematics' value of pi=3.16; engineering/architecture's pyramid, dams, dikes, palaces; land surveying and measuring in geometry; determining positions of stars and other heavenly bodies and relate to tides, seasons, and floods; calendars composed of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 30 days in a months and 365 days a year; and explored human anatomy in the field of medicine as well as mummification of the dead.
Greek education. With liberal and democratic education, the Greeks introduced the Olympic games, mythology, democracy and philosophy. Two Greek city states were known: the Sparta (military) and Athens (democratic). The Spartans have authoritarian government, and thus established a military academy. Young boys, as early as age seven, is turned over to a paidonomus, a military drill master who will teach him the art of warfare. While the Spartans have a communal life, the Athenians emphasized freedom of thoughts, expression and religion. Education was a family responsibility, where every child is given a paedagogus or a tutor who will train him to be a good and responsible citizen. Ancient Athenian schools include palaestra (a gymnastic school, with teacher as paedotribe); music school ( kitharist as music teacher); and grammar school (grammatists as teacher of letters). Well-known Greek thinkers include:
1. Socrates - advanced the idea of Gnothi Seauton or "Know Thyself" . He believed that knowledge is virtue and all virtuous actions are based on knowledge. He also introduced the Socratic dialectic method of teaching which is composed of ironic ( destructive elements)and maieutic (constructive elements).
2. Plato - proposed that society should be divided into classes of people based on their talents and intelligence: philosophical class ( guardians/rulers of society); warrior class (protectors of society); artisan/industrial class (workers of society). Plato also believed that education should be determined by the social class where the person belongs. He established a school called the "Academy"
3. Aristotle - known to be the paedagogus of Alexander the Great. He established a school called "Lyceum". Aristotle believed that virtue is brought by doing not by knowing; advanced the idea that man is a social animal and must use his reason to attain his ultimate end which is the summum bonum or highest/supreme Good. He also postulated that man is composed of two distinct but united entities: the body and soul which is further composed of irrational element (appetites, desires, passions) and a rational element called intellect.
The University of Athens became the world's first comprehensive university and the University of Alenxandria, which was founded by Alexander the Great. It had the most advanced library facilities and the Septuagint which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew bible and was translated by 70 scholars in this university. The University of Alexandria also produced excellent products like Euclid ( geometry), Archimedes (physics) and Eratosthenes (geography, astronomy).
Roman education. Pragmatic and progressive education, the Romans introduced the Latin Language, the Laws of Twelve Tables and the Roman Senate. Education was divided into three levels: elementary (Literatur or Ludi Magister), Secondary (Grammaticus or Literatus)and Higher Education (rhetorical schools). The following have imperial contributions to Education:
1. Vespasian (A.D. 69-79)- founded the Roman University and Roman Library
2. Trojan (A.D. 98 - 117) - gave scholarship to poor but deserving students
3. Hadrian (117-138) - gave pensions for retired teachers and gave more attention to Law and Medicine than to Philosophy
4. Antoninus Pius (138-161) - exempted all Roman teachers from taxation and military service
5. Constantine (306-337) - continued all the privileges mentioned above and legalized Christianity by virtue of the Edict of Milan on AD 313.
6. Julian (361-363) - required that all teachers be licensed and be given qualifying examinations; he eliminated Christian teachers from Roman schools.
7. Gratian (367-383) - subsidized all Roman schools, and created a salary scale for teachers.
8. Theodosius (383-395) - nationalized all schools and considered the establishment of private schools.
(ref: Historical foundation of education)
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
session - 1: Introduction
(the first meeting of the class was devoted to "getting-to-know" activities and orientation on the subject: Foundations of Education. Discussion on the meaning of education, learning,and being "schooled" followed.)
Education has been defined in many ways but generally, it refers to a process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits, necessary for improving one's life.
No one knows exactly when, (in the case history of mankind) education began, or at least when was the word "education" first used. Theories of Creationism and Evolutionism attempted to give an explanation, but what is certain is that education is founded on the discipline of Psychology, Anthropology,Sociology, History, Philosophy and Law.
Through the years, education has been considered very important in building a humane society. Being educated does not necessarily mean being schooled. The acquisition of KASH can take place anywhere, for as long as there is a receptive human mind to acknowledge avenues for learning. Today, education is thought to come from any of the following:
1. formal education. This type of education is taken from a structured, chronological, school-based type of learning. The learners will be guided as what specific competency he is expected to acquire as he moves from the lower to higher level of education depending on his age level.
2. non-formal education. Still a school-based type of education, the non-formal education focus on a specific group and specific competency. There is no need for the learners to go through the process of schooling from the lower to higher level. Since this deviate from the usual heirarchy, this is termed as alternative learning system, which in the Philippines is under the control of the Bureau of Alternative Learning Systems (BALS).
3. informal education. This type of education is no longer a school-based since it unstructured and can be accessed from any media - Television, Internet, Seminars. Symposium, and other means where learning may take place.
Although a person can be educated from any source, still, there is a need to bring the pupils/students to school where learning is structured, regularly assessed and followed-up. The Department of Education's Project REACH (Reach All Children)attempts to address the problem of drop-outs: "Find the children, Bring them back to school, Keep them in School and Help them Graduate."
The education of the child is everyone's concern. All stakeholders - teachers, school heads, parents, local-government officials, non-government organizations, government organization, business sectors, alumni, church, and everyone should take the responsibility of educating the citizens of the country. This is the essence of the Education for All (EFA) by ALL.
Education has been defined in many ways but generally, it refers to a process of acquiring knowledge, attitudes, skills, and habits, necessary for improving one's life.
No one knows exactly when, (in the case history of mankind) education began, or at least when was the word "education" first used. Theories of Creationism and Evolutionism attempted to give an explanation, but what is certain is that education is founded on the discipline of Psychology, Anthropology,Sociology, History, Philosophy and Law.
Through the years, education has been considered very important in building a humane society. Being educated does not necessarily mean being schooled. The acquisition of KASH can take place anywhere, for as long as there is a receptive human mind to acknowledge avenues for learning. Today, education is thought to come from any of the following:
1. formal education. This type of education is taken from a structured, chronological, school-based type of learning. The learners will be guided as what specific competency he is expected to acquire as he moves from the lower to higher level of education depending on his age level.
2. non-formal education. Still a school-based type of education, the non-formal education focus on a specific group and specific competency. There is no need for the learners to go through the process of schooling from the lower to higher level. Since this deviate from the usual heirarchy, this is termed as alternative learning system, which in the Philippines is under the control of the Bureau of Alternative Learning Systems (BALS).
3. informal education. This type of education is no longer a school-based since it unstructured and can be accessed from any media - Television, Internet, Seminars. Symposium, and other means where learning may take place.
Although a person can be educated from any source, still, there is a need to bring the pupils/students to school where learning is structured, regularly assessed and followed-up. The Department of Education's Project REACH (Reach All Children)attempts to address the problem of drop-outs: "Find the children, Bring them back to school, Keep them in School and Help them Graduate."
The education of the child is everyone's concern. All stakeholders - teachers, school heads, parents, local-government officials, non-government organizations, government organization, business sectors, alumni, church, and everyone should take the responsibility of educating the citizens of the country. This is the essence of the Education for All (EFA) by ALL.
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