Understanding Culture, Society & Politics Module 8

Understanding Culture, Society & Politics Module 8

• Module Focus: Functions and Importance of Education in Society

Specific Learning Objectives

• Objective 1: Define education
• Objective 2: Trace and describe the Philippine educational system
• Objective 3: Explain the functions and importance of education in society
• Objective 4: Evaluate how education functions and affects society

Identify Key Concepts

• Hierarchy of Needs Theory: Proposed by a British sociologist
• UNESCO Acronym: (Letter E)
• Basic Education Level (K-12): Starting level
• Primary Education: Considered a fundamental human right
• Formal Education: Structured learning experiences, from primary school to university, including technical and vocational training
• Definition of Education: The social institution through which society provides members with knowledge, job skills, and cultural norms (Macionis, 2012). This includes acquiring knowledge, habits, skills, and abilities, systematic training, and transmission of cultural heritage

Education in the Philippines

• DepEd: Department of Education, manages and regulates the Philippine education system
• Curriculum and Implementation: Controlled by DepEd
• Funding: Managed by the national government
• School Construction and Resources: Managed by the national government
• Pre-1946 Education: Modeled after Spanish and American systems (with exception of some areas under Spanish rule for 300+ years and Americans for 20+ years)
• Early Educational Focus: Religious indoctrination & cultural values
• Spanish Colonialism: Religion was the center of education, with education primarily for upper classes
• American Influence: Focus shifted to preparing the nation for self-governance via democracy
• Current Efforts: Government focuses on adapting the K-12 system to national development demands

Types of Education

• Formal Education: Hierarchical, chronologically graded systems from primary school to university, offering technical and vocational training (examples: primary, secondary, and tertiary education)

• Elementary Education: Compulsory, focuses on basic education, usually 6-7 grades and includes kindergarten

• Secondary Education: Continues basic education, expanding it to include skills for employment (e.g.; four years of junior high school, 2 years of senior high school)

• Tertiary Education: The higher education, Public or private, covering local Colleges and universities, state universities, and colleges, offering undergraduate degree programs (with at least 8 subjects and graduate programs)

• Non-Formal Education: Focused on learning outside the formal system, in response to the world crises in education (e.g; adapting to changing societal dynamics). This targets specific segments of the population. Learners receive vocational training, skills to enter the job market & lifelong learning

• Informal Education: Lifelong process, encompassing knowledge, motor, social, and cognitive skills/experiences outside the structured system. Aims to develop literacy skills of out-of-school youth/adults in all aspects of society (e.g., socioeconomic status, demographics, interests)

• Special Education: Education for students with diverse learning needs requiring modifications of school practices to reach their potential (physical, mental, emotional, social or cultural).

Functions of Education in Society

• Productive/Responsible Citizens: Enables individuals to become productive members, adopt to societal demands, & develop critical thinking & decision-making skills
• Self-Actualization: Develops self-awareness, strengths, & weaknesses, guiding students toward personal potential and fulfillment/highest level of human needs according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Primary Education as a Human Right

• Essential to Early Life: Enables individuals to adapt to societal demands and rights
• UNESCO: Declares it as a fundamental human right
• Importance for Society/Individual: Promotes individual freedom, essential to the exercise of other rights, and vital for the country's development / economic & social prosperity

This quiz focuses on the functions and importance of education in society, specifically within the context of the Philippine educational system. It explores key concepts such as the Hierarchy of Needs Theory and formal and basic education levels. Assess your understanding of education's role as a social institution and its impact on societal development.