Education

Abstract

Though the term 'education' may, at first glance, appear to be a straightforward concept, it turns out to be much more complicated and far reaching when a deeper examination is undertaken. As one analytical description puts it, "Education is a philosophical as well as a sociological concept, denoting ideologies, curricula, and pedagogical techniques of the inculcation and management of knowledge and the social reprocuction of personalities and cultures" (Marshall, 1998, p. 183). From this description, it transpires that education is a complex institution that has developed in such a way as to complement the needs of modern societies. One very important requirement of all societies, and more so of complex systems such as industrialised societies, is the preparation of members to be fully functioning entities within their socie::y. Being complex systems, "the amount of knowledge required is so great and diverse that formal, systematic training is necessary" (Johnson, 1995, p. 92). The onus of secondary socialisation has been put principally and essentially on an efficient schooling system. This is expected to construct specific and structured programmes ex:;xessly aimed at socialising, first and foremost, the younger generation into full cit~zenship, so as to lead to a coherent life amongst their fellows living in that same sociery. It tht:.s becomes clear why in a narrow sense 'education' "is used as a synonym for schooling, specific institutional movement for the transmis~ion of knowledge and skills, the development of competencies and beliefs" (Pateman, 1994, p. 188). This is precisely one reason why Maltese society has seen to it to construct a schooling system that is adjourned regularly to meet the specific needs of its members.·Malta has experienced educational development manifested through a consistent increase in school buildings, development of curricula and ever more intensive teacher training. The c:.im of t:.pgrading standards is to promote national interests within an intensely active and fast moving globalised society.