Here's a breakdown to help you understand:
Historically:
* Early human history: Education was primarily informal. It was learned through observation, imitation, and hands-on experience within families and communities.
* Ancient civilizations: Formal education started to emerge with organized schools and systems of instruction. Examples include:
* Ancient Greece: Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle taught students in formal settings.
* Ancient Rome: Formal education was available for the elite, focusing on rhetoric, law, and philosophy.
* Medieval Europe: Education was primarily within monasteries and cathedrals, emphasizing religious teachings. Universities began to emerge in this era.
* Renaissance and Enlightenment: Formal education expanded, with universities becoming more prominent and focusing on a wider range of subjects.
* Modern Era: Formal education has become increasingly widespread, with compulsory schooling in many countries.
Today:
* Formal education: Includes structured learning within institutions like schools, colleges, and universities. It has standardized curricula, assessments, and qualifications.
* Informal education: Encompasses learning outside of formal institutions. It can happen through:
* Experiential learning: Learning by doing, like participating in hobbies or traveling.
* Life experiences: Learning through daily interactions, work, or personal challenges.
* Informal learning environments: Museums, libraries, community centers, online resources, etc.
So, to answer your question more definitively, you need to consider:
* What time period are you interested in?
* What culture or society are you referring to?
Let me know if you have a specific time period or culture in mind!