Sociology Lesson 11: Knowledge Transmission and Education

Study Notes

Historical Background of Education

The Greek word "schole" means leisure, and ancient Greeks perceived education as a system where man exercises his faculties to be a significant member of society.
Aristotle believed that the role of education is to help an individual improve their lot in life as an ultimate virtue.
Socrates believed that education can be acquired through experiences and actual observation.
John Dewey viewed education as knowledge that can be acquired through the interaction of the faculties and environmental experiences of an individual.
John Piaget believed that education is about teaching how to survive.

Ancient Education Systems

In ancient Greece, education was only for upper-class boys, and it focused on science, philosophy, and the study of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew languages.
Mathematics and medicine were learned from the Arabs.
During the imperial period, indigenous culture was viewed as uncivilized and inferior, leading to the virtual destruction of tribal culture.

The Role of Education in Society

Education helps individuals improve their lot in life and acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, values, and attitude for their future position in life.
Education serves as a means of social integration, where people contribute to a shared set of beliefs and values.
Education facilitates social interaction, strengthens equality, and preserves the socio-cultural heritage.

Theories of Education

The Functionalist Perspective

Education performs a number of important services that contribute to the operation and maintenance of society.
Manifest functions of education include teaching children to get along, transmitting knowledge and skills, and helping cultural integration.
Latent functions of education include establishing social relationships and networks, and decreasing job competition.

The Conflict Perspective

Education develops people's individual talents and skills, but promotes social inequalities based on sex, race, ethnicity, and social class.
The hidden curriculum teaches students to conform to societal norms and expectations.

The Symbolic Interactionism Perspective

Education is a process of labeling, where students are ranked according to their competence and intelligence.
Ability grouping is a form of inequality, where students are clustered into classes or tracks based on their abilities.

Types of Education

Formal Education

Guided by a systematic, organized educational model, structured and administered based on a given set of laws, rules, and norms.
Offers a rigid curriculum that contains objectives, content, and methodology.

Non-Formal Education

Does not require student attendance, and the process of learning is not rigid.
The curriculum and methodology are flexible and designed to adapt to the needs and interests of the students.

Informal Education

A lifelong learning process, where individuals acquire attitudes, values, skills, and knowledge from their environment and daily experiences.
Includes learning from various sources, such as videos, self-study, reading articles, and participating in forums and chat rooms.

Barriers to Education

Lack of access to formal education, particularly for out-of-school youth.
The need for alternative learning systems, such as the Alternative Learning System in the Philippines.

Description

This quiz covers the various ways in which a society transmits knowledge, including factual information, occupational skills, cultural norms, and values. It also explores the views of ancient Greek philosophers such as Aristotle and Socrates on the role of education in personal growth and development.