What is Education: Definition and 510 Discussions

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, however learners can also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. The methodology of teaching is called pedagogy.
Formal education is commonly divided formally into such stages as preschool or kindergarten, primary school, secondary school and then college, university, or apprenticeship.
There are movements for education reforms, such as for improving quality and efficiency of education towards applicable relevance in the students' lives and efficient problem solving in modern or future society at large or for evidence-based education methodologies. A right to education has been recognized by some governments and the United Nations. Global initiatives aim at achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 4, which promotes quality education for all. In most regions, education is compulsory up to a certain age.

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  1. MichPod

    I Self education: how to proceed from QM to QFT?

    I tried to start many books/video courses to learn QFT but this failed because of many factors, including my weak math/physics background, laziness, lack of time, lack of persistence, just to count some. The whole blame is on me, no doubt. Still, if I was able to learn QM to some extent...
  2. MichPod

    School math/physics education in USA/Canada compared to Europe

    For what I know, there is a very big difference (if not a gap) between how math and physics are studied in USA/Canada vs in the Europe (and I am afraid not only in the Europe, but nearly the whole world, Africa and South America included). What makes North American education special is that...
  3. V

    Understanding Newton's Laws: The Confusion Between II and III Revealed

    I am not a teacher, but I have made an interesting observation regarding classical mechanics education. It is surprisingly common that even students at academic level do not seem to fully understand Newton's third law (action and reaction) and confuse it with Newton's second law...
  4. fluidistic

    Teach Your Youngster the Basics of Programming!

    Which programming language would you like being taught if you were a very young person (5 to 7 years old), as a first programming language? Worded differently, which programming language would you like to teach to your son/daughter if he/she was that age? I've heard about Scratch and Logo. Then...
  5. S

    Value of Education (and academic research) in Physics

    We have already seen topics on this forums discussing Physics degree as education and not job training, and that some physics graduates do get jobs but not necessarily as physicists, and that physics majors need to take a selection of practical courses to become marketable; and that internships...
  6. P

    Does the world need more teachers?

    Education is a lifelong goal, for me. I have rarely met anyone who doesn't need to educate themselves more on a subject or matter, otherwise, we're in the twilight zone of sages and masters, which are rare and few. Even Aristotle, who one of my philosophy teachers told me, was the last man who...
  7. P

    Has the market corrupted the goal of education?

    Forgive my rather philosophical posted question; but, having been in college for little more than a year, I can't but help to feel that what was once considered a noble goal of 'conditioning the soul' (as Plato might say) via education has instead been turned into the gratification of wants and...
  8. M

    Suggestions for videos teaching engineering concepts

    I hope to one day help engineering students by having a wealth of videos that cover the "weed-out" courses (in the first two years of engineering curriculum). Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can make these videos be the best that they can be? I plan to do narrated powerpoints, but I...
  9. N

    Some questions about math education -- my time limit for solving a problem

    Background about myself (Can be skipped) I'm a gifted math student in the 11th grade, I studied Differential Calculus 2 years ago and I did pretty well in it, unfortunately I'm not studying math a lot these days, but I've gained a lot of experiences in life that made me more mature than I was 2...
  10. S

    Physics What Can You Do With An Applied Physics Dregree

    I am applying to universities soon and the one subject that I would like to have in any area of study is physics, if I were to study pure physics than I would specialize in applied physics. I know that there aren't many jobs in specifically research areas which would be a dream job, so what...
  11. F

    TV based education instead of Human teachers?

    I have thinking about this issue quite a lot recently; Imagine a class of students where students don't ask any questions to teacher; All of the communication is only from teacher to students. ( I myself have attended such classes when I was a student.) In such class why teacher can not be...
  12. M

    Schools Best Colleges in Ohio for a physics degree?

    Currently enrolled at a regional campus to complete basic core courses for my B.S. in Physics with a research concentration. I have completed over 40 credit hours while I was also in high school, and am starting my first semester of classes toward my major. After this semester, however, that...
  13. C

    Programs To pursue a masters degree in theoretical physics

    Hello, I'm about to start my last year of bachelor degree in physics, and in a few months I would like to have a clear idea of where I want to go for my master degree. My dream since I started university is to pursue theoretical physics, in which specific field, that remains for me to...
  14. R

    Studying Necessity of formal math education for Electrical Engineer?

    So, I am majoring in Electrical engineering, and probably doing a decent amount of Physics and Computer science courses until I can no longer squeeze it into my schedule. In the far future, I definitely plan to work in industry, and hopefully in R&D type engineering work. Will I ever in my...
  15. Y

    Studying Can I Pursue a Career in Physics with Weak Math Skills and Specific Interests?

    Hi, I am really very interested in learning physics and becoming researcher or scientist. But I have few problems like I am not good at maths at all I can remember formulas and constants value. I am not at all interested in electricity and magnetism. I don't really know what am I good at. I...
  16. SquidwardTentacles

    Schools Comparing the good and bad universities around the world.

    It goes without question that the top schools of most countries are pretty good, but how do we compare the average and bad universities from different countries? I often hear (especially on this forum) that bad and average universities in the US (and the west in general) are usually still...
  17. A

    Learn Quantum & Nuclear Physics: 14 Y/O

    As a 14 year old, my access to resources is limited to what I can find on my phone or occasionally in the library. With this consideration, can anyone recommend some good online resource for learning quantum physics and nuclear physics. I already have the background knowledge, I understand...
  18. V

    Continuum mechanics in physics education

    I came across this article about the near absence of continuum mechanics in university-level physics education: http://www.troian.caltech.edu/papers/Gollub_PhysToday_Dec03.pdf I have wondered this issue myself: why is continuum mechanics mainly studied by engineers rather than physicists, even...
  19. B

    Why Do Some People Struggle with Math?

    Background: I live in the U.S. and I am in 7th grade, 13 years old. I have mild ADHD I don't really hate math, per se, but I can't help thinking that I'm unfit to do anything related to mathematics. I enjoy geometry and abstract scientific problems, but struggle in areas such as basic equations...
  20. UsableThought

    Three new books to read about expertise vs. democracy

    Mostly PhysicsForums is about . . . well, physics and its sub-specialities, plus math and so forth. However we have a fair number of threads concerning the role of scientists, science, and critical thinking in a democracy where expertise is unevenly spread, unevenly valued, and often questioned...
  21. S

    Programs Undergrad Education: Is It Important for Physics PhD?

    Hi, How important is undergraduate education in terms of following a specific physics directory? Right now I am on track to take 3-4 upper division classes that will allow me to earn a B.S. in astrophysics. What if I wanted to focus on theoretical or quantum physics for a PhD (assuming I get...
  22. N

    Programs Is the ivy league education worth it for a physics major?

    Good Afternoon. My name is Nicolas Beltran. I am a high school student who would really like your advice on an issue I have. It has always been my dream to study physics, however I never saw it as a feasible choice because in my country, Colombia, there are little to few options in which true...
  23. H

    Exclusionary education - why not?

    Inclusive education has rightly been the trumpet charge of education. I am aware of exclusionary curriculum in the arts, sport, music. STEM subjects are only exclusive when applied to girls. What would a full exclusion STEM school look like that only the proven elite students were enrolled...
  24. Robert House

    How Can Interacting with Experts Improve Online Learning?

    I just signed up today. I'm here because I've been using MOC's (Massive Online Courses) and other forms of online learning for a while now. A key flaw with any form of self learning is the lack of interfacing with your instructor/teacher. I browsed this website for a bit and quickly concluded it...
  25. Gamma

    Open Education Resources (OER) question

    Hello, I want to find the best free textbook for my algebra-based intro physics courses. Currently I am using Physics-Principles with Applications by Giancoli and I am a bit reluctant to move to open source since I have gotten used to the instructor resources that comes with my current...
  26. D

    Friction during rolling: troubling student questions

    Greeting fellow physicists, I have been having some questions from my AP Physics C: Mechanics students about the direction of friction in rolling. Here are a few situations. 1. For a wheel that is accelerating to the right while rolling smoothly, it must also be rotating clockwise. In order to...
  27. A

    What was the cost of a Soviet high school math textbook in 1976?

    I have been learning how to read scientific Russian, and my reading material is the Soviet high school math textbook Algebra and Beginning Analysis, (1976), edited by Kolmogorov. (I've seen the title also translated as Algebra and Elements of Analysis). The Russian title is Алгебра и Начала...
  28. H

    Medical Physics Education Advice

    Hi Everyone, I am currently going through the interview process for several medical physics M.S. programs. I have a very hard time getting a read on how various programs compare. I was hoping that any of you with academic or professional experience in the field could give some advice. As of...
  29. ELHPhysics

    Schools What should I focus on to excel in university physics?

    Hi, this fall I'll be attending university for Theoretical Physics (Canada). I'm hoping to continue education to graduate level, and become a physicist myself. Firstly, I'm wondering what I should have under my belt, to not only be successful in school but also become an expert in physics...
  30. H

    How can technology enhance the learning process in STEM classrooms?

    When I was a high school student education wars were raging over student use of basic calculators. What do you guys think about how much tech students should have access to in; Early years Middle school High school Undergraduate. I am primarily talking but not limited to math & science in...
  31. G

    Difference between elastic and coherent scattering

    Hi everyone! What is the difference between coherent and elastic scattering. Maybe the elastic scattering implies that there is not loss of energy, whereas the coherent scattering implies that the wavelength of a ray (or rays) is the same before and after the scattering? Thank you in advance.
  32. Indiana

    Studying Can I solve research problems with only BS in Mathematics?

    Currently I'm undergrad in Mathematics and confused about getting a Phd. I'm not interested in academia. I'm more interested in startups or jobs in the industry. The only thing that is making me to do PhD is solving research problems. Say I'm reading a machine learning book or QFT book or a...
  33. Amey Shukla

    Programs Roadmap for Bachelors Degree in Physics

    I apologize for asking a question that has been asked trillions of times. I've searched the PF for many links, however, I didn't find something good. Let's suppose, a person named Arthur. This guy is a 12th grade student. He is able to do Halliday Resnick Walker. He has slight background in...
  34. S

    Programs Should I major in Secondary Education Physics or English?

    Hello Physics Forums! I realize that only I can answer my own question, but I was wondering if someone could help me answer my own question. First off, I want to major in Education. There is no question about that. However, I am stuck between majoring in Physics and English. I feel like I'm...
  35. risp

    Courses Is the 3-2 engineering program right for me?

    I am currently a high school student with the SAT score of 1230/1600( i know it's really bad) due to which I can not get into any good university so should I apply for 3-2 engineering programs? I am also not sure which engineering to do so it will also give me time to think. So can you guys...
  36. P

    Quantum QM Textbooks (Education + Research purposes)

    Hello fellow physics enthusiasts! Apologies in advance, I wanted to make the most out of this post and so it ended up being quite long + detailed. I thank you for your patience and any efforts to help! What I'm looking for: TWO good Quantum Mechanics textbooks for the rest of my undergraduate...
  37. BubblesAreUs

    Schools Low cost distance education universities

    Hello all, I'm enrolled at an Australian university that offers mathematics. However, I want to fast track my education by enrolling in units over the holidays ( late Nov to early March). The problem, however, is that my institution does not offer advanced second or third year units. I'm...
  38. rkum99

    Schools Choosing a potential major for college?

    I'm currently at crossroads about what field I should head into for university. I'd appreciate any advice about what would be a good direction to head into based on my interests and goals. If I had to name my favorite subject, it would most likely be either mathematics or physics. I've pursued...
  39. Dr. Courtney

    Insights Blaming Government for Teacher and Scientist Failures in Integrity - Comments

    Dr. Courtney submitted a new PF Insights post Blaming Government for Teacher and Scientist Failures in Integrity Continue reading the Original PF Insights Post.
  40. astro_chara

    B Astrophysics Science Fair Project Ideas?

    Hi, a friend and I are planning to participate in a county science fair this year. We're in need of ideas, especially since we want to focus on a project in astrophysics that we would be able to test. Or research. We can get access to an observatory, and maybe perform the research there. Any...
  41. C

    Schools University advice for mechanical engineering?

    Hello PF. I apologize if this is in the wrong forum board, I thought this post would be relevant since it has to do with MechEng. Feel free to move the thread to the correct spot if it is in the inappropriate section. Anyways, I'm in a bit of a dilemma. Basically, I have an unconditional offer...
  42. A

    Teaching particle physics in basic education

    Hi guys! I'm doing a research about teaching elementary particles in the middle school, something that isn't the reality in my country. Despite of the research in Physics Teaching be a lot advanced, the proposals made by them are not applied in the practice of the teachers. I want to propose...
  43. S

    Value or what one can do with astronomy or astrophysics education

    Title field did not accept all of title: Value or what one can do with astronomy or astrophysics education What is the real-world, employment value and meaning of a degree in Physics if a student concentrates on astronomy or astrophysics, meaning his employment value? What about such a degree...
  44. casualluchador

    Courses Should I take calculus 2,3 and diff. eqs at CC while in HS?

    Hi I was wondering if taking calculus 2,3, and differential equations by the end of my senior year at the local community college would be a wise choice. Would taking these math classes before i use them in physics hinder my learning? (I want to be a physicist). Would I gain an advantage in...
  45. W

    Other Physics Education Jobs: Becoming a College Professor

    Hello everyone! This is my first post here on Physics Forums. I'm hoping that you guys will be able to assist me with a dilemma I'm facing. I'm thinking of changing my major from high school science education to physics so I can become a college professor. The way my education program is going...
  46. W

    Redesigning the math/physics curriculum, take 2

    I saw the topic and have given it a lot of thought over the past few years, and my take is so different from the other thread I'm starting another. Problems with the beginning math curriculum: 1. Too abstract and difficult 2. Totally unmotivated These problems were unavoidable 50 years ago...
  47. L

    I want to find a cure for herpes. What should I major in?

    I want to find a cure for the herpes virus. How would I go about getting the education and qualifications needed?
  48. RaijuRainBird

    Redesigning Mathematics Curriculum, thoughts?

    I've had a pretty poor experience going through the standardized education system in California, and now that I'm in college, I'm really fed up with how mathematics is taught (even at the college level). With this said, I thought it would be fun for me to redesign the entire math education...
  49. G

    Studying Which area of physics should I study?

    I like science a lot. Research, discovering new things, math, and anything to do with space is exciting to me. I also like the application of physics, like engineering. I was thinking about majoring in space physics, astronomy, experimental, applied, or engineering physics. Maybe a minor...
  50. H

    Any recommendations on Physics education?

    Unfortunately, I was never taught proper physics in my high school, but I have always had an interest in the subject. Do you guys have any recommendations for books/textbooks, courses, online material, etc. for understanding physics at a basic and deeper understanding?
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