Education systems refer to the various ways knowledge is passed on from the instructors to those in search for it. Many skills can be acquired through education. Various approaches are utilized across the globe to ensure a smooth running of the global education sector around the world.
This article explores the different types of Education systems utilized worldwide and their philosophies. Are you a parent or student curious about the world education models, this article contains valuable information on the topic. We are going to explore different Education models and some of the philosophies relating to them. The following are some of the structures used to compare different systems.
Centralization vs Decentralization
The Centralised model involves concentration of power in the government ministry responsible for education. The ministry is responsible for most Education related tasks like recruitment of teachers. It also sets a standard National Curriculum and is responsible for examining students in the model. Some of the advantages of a centralised system include the ability for uniform policy making hence easy management. The challenge is only the top level managers get to make decisions. Some of the countries that utilise this system include Japan, China, France among others.
On the other hand, the decentralized system hands power to teachers and school leaders to make decisions concerning the curriculum and examination. For example in Finland, all institutions are allowed to create their own curriculums through the National Core Curriculum. The ability for school staff to make influential decisions makes management faster compared to the latter. Also here teachers get time to focus on the unique abilities of their students. The top challenge is there is no uniformity in examining and curriculum making it hard to blend. They also breed unnecessary competition between service providers who focus on making a profit rather than delivering a service. The states of America adopted this system and also the United Kingdom and its colonies.
Age of Entry
Another key comparative aspect of Education systems in the world lies in the age at which kids start school from Kindergarten. The section contains information on the legal ages for school in some of the countries around the world.
- Very Early Starters: Countries like England and its colonies, Northern Ireland and Wales allow children to start school early at around 4 to 5 years.
- Early Primary Starters: Most of the schools in Canada, Netherlands and the United States allow children to start Kindergarten around 5 to 6 years.
- Standard Starters: Most of the schools following the centralized education model allow student enrollment from 6 to 7 years. Some of the countries that adopt this system include Germany, China, Japan and South Korea.
Pathways and Tracking Systems
All countries in the world adopt a unique fulfilling method of leveling up kids after there in years of school. The three main educational streams include Further Academics, Vocational and Technical studies. The students are sorted into the system on different merit requirements after meeting the required specifications for example acquisition of required pass marks. A recommendation from an examiner or talent influence can determine the path taken.
Some of the Popular Tracking Systems around the world
Uganda: Pupils are eligible for school enrollment for Pre-Primary at 4-5 years. Next in line is the Secondary School Education following a 7-4-2 system. Students in O-level are graded standardly using the Uganda Certificate Examination and UACE under the Ministry of Education and Sports. Students are free to join vocational and tertiary institutes after completion of minimum Primary Seven. They then get to choose between tertiary and further studies. European Nations like Germany and Netherlands utilize the same system.
United States of America: Americans follow more fluid pathway recruitments through presence of elective courses at an early stage. This makes it possible for students to follow up their passions from an early age. In the wider picture, all these available tracking mechanisms are available to enhance learning experience and make sure that the students follow up on their career aspirations be it academically or occupation wise.
Conclusion
This article covers the diverse scope of education systems adopted by different nations in the world. From the centralized to decentralized systems to different pathways adopted by unique students. Understanding this helps us appreciate Education on a world level as it has birthed the wisest of men, doctors and engineers. What education system does your country utilize. Share in the comment section below.
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That’s a really interesting aspect about the education system