differences between education and schooling

One of the topics discussed during last week’s class involved the differences, if any, between education and schooling. At first glance, one may not be able to notice the subtle differences; however, upon further review, there are indeed many.


I believe that education involves the practical and traditional understanding of the compensatory educational process we typically think of in the United States. I would say that most individuals believe that the purpose of education is to instruct children in the basic curriculum. Traditionally, this involves subjects such as reading, writing, arithmetic and so on. Today, we also expect detailed instruction in the sciences, advanced math, technology based fields, and so on.

Perhaps the most important purpose of the educational process is in fact to teach our children about the aforementioned subjects. As a parent, I myself would like instruction in these areas to be exceptional, and for my children to have mastered each and every subject. I want them to actually think for themselves, ask why, and be so intrigued that they will pursue higher education.

However, perhaps equally important is the process of schooling. In my estimation, I view schooling to be the process by which children learn to manage themselves in a social setting. By this I mean that children need to acquire social skills which will help them deal with their peers. In the public school setting especially, children are exposed to many different types of people who have different socio-economic and cultural back grounds. We live in a very global society and it is especially important for children to learn tolerance and acceptance. I believe this is one of the things that children will hopefully learn through their schooling.  Additionally, if children are successful in the schooling process, they will learn how to successfully interact with adults and their teachers. A child must learn to ask questions from adults at school, and be able to explain their ideas and their thought processes to their teachers. This is quite different from them expressing themselves to their parents. It requires self confidence, and an ability to communicate with their “superiors."

 In my belief, one of the main goals of the educational process is for children to become bright, intelligent individuals who will become our future work force and leaders of our communities. It is in the very basic grades that children hopefully learn the basic skills of listening, following instructions, and being able to socialize with many different kinds of people. Without such basic skills, one’s ability to become truly successful and independent is significantly thwarted.