There are two distinct approaches to education, the progressive and the formalist. Progressive educators stress child development from within, whereas the formalists focus on formation from without, through immersion in culture through the telling, induction, and transmission of existing ideas. Both approaches are problematic, as Thomas argues. What do the two approaches have in common? The answer lies somewhere in between. Let’s take a closer look at each of them. What are the differences between progressive and formalist education?
Lessons learned from Bourdieu’s philosophy of education
Social reproduction theory explores the possible causes of behaviour, and it explains how individuals’ socio-economic positions and actions relate to one another. Habitus is a mental structure that comprises a sense of place and an understanding of the world. It is a product of the capital and social structures associated with a person’s origins. Consequently, it may lead to behaviour that is resigned to the status quo.
One such example is the neo-liberal corporatisation of the UK educational system. The study of the reactions of school leaders shows that such practices promote student agency and successful outcomes. In the case of Meet the Non-Typical Programmer and the Challenge of Stereotypes, an article reported on a girl who had overcome poverty and became a successful programmer. The story demonstrates the power of non-formal learning to empower students and address the issues of poverty and stereotypes.
Characteristics of ‘formal’ education
While formal education has its advantages, there are also some disadvantages. Its standardized teaching model and outdated course content make it a poor option for students. These drawbacks can make formal education a waste of time and money and demotivate good students. Furthermore, students may lose interest in studying in a system that does not reward effort and hard work. Apart from the disadvantages, formal education is also inflexible and expensive.
Non-formal education is intentionally actualized in order to meet the needs of an audience that has its own unique set of characteristics. These characteristics can be added to the content for free. These characteristics are important in determining which type of educational system is most appropriate for which population. There are many different types of education and their characteristics are important to know. If you are unsure about the type of education you should pursue, you can start by learning more about what’s available in your area of interest.
Impact of technology on education
The use of technology in education has profound impact on how students learn and what they are able to achieve. In the past, textbooks and in-person lectures dominated classrooms. Now, technology has flooded the classroom with video presentations, e-books, and learning management systems. Today, nearly every aspect of life is influenced by modern technologies. Even when students graduate from college, they will have a job that involves technology. Internet technology will continue to pervade their personal lives.
Using a mobile device to learn can help improve the efficiency of the learning process. With the help of mobile devices, learners will be more engaged with the content and have better retention. With the use of multimedia content, teachers can provide students with more engaging and fun learning opportunities. Similarly, students no longer have to carry bulky backpacks containing countless books. Moreover, e-books offer access to thousands of books, and they can update them whenever they need to.