Education - Socialization
Acquiring an education and being socialized is a journey in which you acquire skills for successful living, as well as learning how to become a
member of the social environment and situation you were born into.
Life is a continual learning (education) process. We call it "socialization" (it is also called, "the formative years"), the process we go through to
develop and realize our individual human potential.
We do this, one moment, one day, at a time. And it always takes place in the context of who we are, and where we are. It is what Richard Alpert
(Baba Ram Dass) was referring to in his book, "Be Here Now". It involves all the dimensions of life that make us who we are - it is a holistic
process.
This is true whether you are learning new ways of living, changing old habits or patterns, moving to a new area, starting a new relationship,
having a baby, making new friends, visiting different places, or going to school.
From the moment we are born, we are bombarded with visual, aural and tactile "information". All of it impacts on us, and it is "information" we
process - mostly unconsciously. All that input is constantly adding to what we've already absorbed - expanding, confirming or contradicting
what we already have.
And all of it is filtered through who we are, and what we have already absorbed - and most importantly, the meaning and understanding we gave
it all, and which we derived from it.
The really interesting thing is: for much of what we need to learn - the answers are already inside us! We just aren't always aware of it.
"Learning" is a process of discovering, or "revealing" what we already know, whether we are in "school", or learning new ways to have a
relationship, or parenting, or whatever, etc.
We try to "make sense" of it all - and we act upon, and react to, all the inputs and experiences that impact us. It truly is, a life long process.
How much we "learn", and what we do with us, depends almost entirely on who we are, and what we choose, or choose not, to do with it and
about it. Whichever we choose, it is the major formative component of who we become, and the kind of life we will have.
So, what is that process? Much of what we learn are the very practical things necessary for human survival and "fitting-in". This is called
socialization.
There is also the formal education process - school: even there “Education” is far from being just a simple, boring, formal academic thing you
have to go through in school. It involves much more than that.
School gives you some of the tools you need later in life. It can also provide more specialized training. School (or formal education) is simply
part of your socialization process toward developing your own, unique potential.
But there are many other things to learn in the process of becoming an empowered human adult. When we work at overcoming personal
problems, challenges and obstacles, that is another learning, educational process.
When looked at this way, it is easy to see that education is a process: a life-long, ongoing process that begins at birth - and only stops when we
are translated.
Acquiring an education and being socialized is a journey in which you acquire skills for successful living, as well as learning how to become a
member of the social environment and situation you were born into.
Life is a continual learning (education) process. We call it "socialization" (it is also called, "the formative years"), the process we go through to
develop and realize our individual human potential.
We do this, one moment, one day, at a time. And it always takes place in the context of who we are, and where we are. It is what Richard Alpert
(Baba Ram Dass) was referring to in his book, "Be Here Now". It involves all the dimensions of life that make us who we are - it is a holistic
process.
This is true whether you are learning new ways of living, changing old habits or patterns, moving to a new area, starting a new relationship,
having a baby, making new friends, visiting different places, or going to school.
From the moment we are born, we are bombarded with visual, aural and tactile "information". All of it impacts on us, and it is "information" we
process - mostly unconsciously. All that input is constantly adding to what we've already absorbed - expanding, confirming or contradicting
what we already have.
And all of it is filtered through who we are, and what we have already absorbed - and most importantly, the meaning and understanding we gave
it all, and which we derived from it.
The really interesting thing is: for much of what we need to learn - the answers are already inside us! We just aren't always aware of it.
"Learning" is a process of discovering, or "revealing" what we already know, whether we are in "school", or learning new ways to have a
relationship, or parenting, or whatever, etc.
We try to "make sense" of it all - and we act upon, and react to, all the inputs and experiences that impact us. It truly is, a life long process.
How much we "learn", and what we do with us, depends almost entirely on who we are, and what we choose, or choose not, to do with it and
about it. Whichever we choose, it is the major formative component of who we become, and the kind of life we will have.
So, what is that process? Much of what we learn are the very practical things necessary for human survival and "fitting-in". This is called
socialization.
There is also the formal education process - school: even there “Education” is far from being just a simple, boring, formal academic thing you
have to go through in school. It involves much more than that.
School gives you some of the tools you need later in life. It can also provide more specialized training. School (or formal education) is simply
part of your socialization process toward developing your own, unique potential.
But there are many other things to learn in the process of becoming an empowered human adult. When we work at overcoming personal
problems, challenges and obstacles, that is another learning, educational process.
When looked at this way, it is easy to see that education is a process: a life-long, ongoing process that begins at birth - and only stops when we
are translated.
It is a process that often does not go easily, and which is frequently anything but pleasant. This is due mainly to the people ho have significant
roles in our lives not being skilled at helping others "learn", and we acquire that faulty approach to learning (education) ourselves; practice it
and then pass it on.
Unfortunately, all too frequently it goes as in the following example:
Saint Anselm (an early educator) summed it up nicely, we think:
With regard to the education of the young, Anselm held very liberal views. To an abbot who was lamenting the poor success of his efforts, he
said:
"If you planted a tree in your garden, and bound it down on all sides, so that it could not spread years branches, what kind of a tree would it
prove when in after years you gave it room to spread? Would it not be useless, with its boughs all twisted and tangled? . . . But that is how you
treat your boys (students) . . . cramping them with fears and blows and debarring them from the enjoyment of any freedom."
I agree with that kind of thinking, and is reflected in our approach to helping people learn new ways, new thinking and new behaviours. So
what is the alternative to what we are used to all about?
Education as the gradual process of acquiring knowledge, is therefore, a preparation for life. One of the fundamental goals (or purposes) of
academic education the imparting of culture from generation to generation (called socialization).
Socialization, as an integral component of education, is the process by which a person acquires the technical skills of his or her society, the
knowledge of the kinds of behavior that are understood and acceptable in that society (also called enculturation). Thus, it is an integral process
that affects the mind-body equation: expanding the human spiritual potential.
roles in our lives not being skilled at helping others "learn", and we acquire that faulty approach to learning (education) ourselves; practice it
and then pass it on.
Unfortunately, all too frequently it goes as in the following example:
Saint Anselm (an early educator) summed it up nicely, we think:
With regard to the education of the young, Anselm held very liberal views. To an abbot who was lamenting the poor success of his efforts, he
said:
"If you planted a tree in your garden, and bound it down on all sides, so that it could not spread years branches, what kind of a tree would it
prove when in after years you gave it room to spread? Would it not be useless, with its boughs all twisted and tangled? . . . But that is how you
treat your boys (students) . . . cramping them with fears and blows and debarring them from the enjoyment of any freedom."
I agree with that kind of thinking, and is reflected in our approach to helping people learn new ways, new thinking and new behaviours. So
what is the alternative to what we are used to all about?
Education as the gradual process of acquiring knowledge, is therefore, a preparation for life. One of the fundamental goals (or purposes) of
academic education the imparting of culture from generation to generation (called socialization).
Socialization, as an integral component of education, is the process by which a person acquires the technical skills of his or her society, the
knowledge of the kinds of behavior that are understood and acceptable in that society (also called enculturation). Thus, it is an integral process
that affects the mind-body equation: expanding the human spiritual potential.
EDUCATION - the process:
The word "education" comes from the Latin word, educere: - its proper meaning is: "leading out or drawing out the latent powers of an
individual." That is how we still regard education here at the Abbey, and is reflected through our approach.
The introductory discussion here draws upon sources found in a variety of places on the web. To see what it all means for you, read on – the
summary follows this introduction.
A good initial working definition is:
Education is the gradual process of acquiring knowledge; as in, "education is a preparation for life".
Education is the knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process: it helps you acquire skills for life - or life skills.
When looked at more closely, the word or process of education, of course, encompasses teaching and learning specific skills. However, and
this is important, there is also the less tangible but more profound aspect, and that is; the imparting of knowledge, good judgement and
wisdom. One of the fundamental goals (or purposes) of education the imparting of culture from generation to generation (called
socialization).
With “socialization” as an integral component of education (or perhaps “education” in its formal sense is part of socialization) the definition
changes to: the process by which a person acquires the technical skills of his or her society, the knowledge of the kinds of behavior that are
understood and acceptable in that society (also called enculturation). It's where you become a member of your culture: that culture will
structure (shape) your "reality".
Enculturation, as a starting description, refers to the process whereby individuals learn the appropriate behavior (for their culture) that allows
them to be functioning members of a particular group, such as a family, work, or social group (the formative years).
In expanded form it means: the process by which an individual accepts the goals of a social group to which he or she belongs and integrates
these goals with those that he or she otherwise would choose individually. The term is meaningful in discussing “family values” in that people
learn to see their personal effectiveness through the family rather than just their own personal efforts—marriage and parenting are usually
major steps in this process.
· Are able to engage in critical thinking by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information and ideas,
· Know how to learn,
· Engage in clear and effective communication.
· Are able to apply knowledge to the search for solutions to important human problems.
The value of a liberal arts education is that “liberally educated people have been liberated by their education to explore and fulfill the promise
of their own highest talents.” - Source unknown.
SUMMARY:
What does this all mean for you?
First, that “education” as we normally understand and use the word is very limited – we usually mean the formal, school part, which so very
often seems unrelated to life, and seems boring and useless at times. Now that we’ve seen the “bigger picture” – it opens up a whole new
horizon.
That horizon reveals that everything we learn – no matter what it is – is part of our “education”. That includes learning how to tie your
shoelaces, or how to draw, or how to ride a bike, or how to get along with people, and how to do all sorts of things.
Secondly, from the root meaning of the word, “education”, we see that it involves “drawing upon what we already know – that’s what
“drawing out”, or “leading out” means. That means we already have a lot of knowledge inside us – right from the start.
A teacher’s role in this is to help us connect the things we already know with things we don’t know – with new information and experiences.
And once we see this and fully grasp the significance of it – “education” and “learning” take on a whole new dimension.
Because, then we see it as: the process we go through to unfold and develop ourselves. And that makes it a much more exciting, and
meaningful concept and process. If it hasn’t become that for you – it usually means that those responsible for your development failed to
impart the connections and help you unfold. It does not have to be that way.
Dawn Cove Abbey is dedicated to help people grow, learn and develop in all dimensions: academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
You will find help: guidance and counselling.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada 2006-2008
There are many good resources here (including a Glossary of concepts) and on the web for you to explore concepts such as “culture”,
“socialization”, “enculturation” and many other related ones – all part of your “education”.
The word "education" comes from the Latin word, educere: - its proper meaning is: "leading out or drawing out the latent powers of an
individual." That is how we still regard education here at the Abbey, and is reflected through our approach.
The introductory discussion here draws upon sources found in a variety of places on the web. To see what it all means for you, read on – the
summary follows this introduction.
A good initial working definition is:
Education is the gradual process of acquiring knowledge; as in, "education is a preparation for life".
Education is the knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process: it helps you acquire skills for life - or life skills.
When looked at more closely, the word or process of education, of course, encompasses teaching and learning specific skills. However, and
this is important, there is also the less tangible but more profound aspect, and that is; the imparting of knowledge, good judgement and
wisdom. One of the fundamental goals (or purposes) of education the imparting of culture from generation to generation (called
socialization).
With “socialization” as an integral component of education (or perhaps “education” in its formal sense is part of socialization) the definition
changes to: the process by which a person acquires the technical skills of his or her society, the knowledge of the kinds of behavior that are
understood and acceptable in that society (also called enculturation). It's where you become a member of your culture: that culture will
structure (shape) your "reality".
Enculturation, as a starting description, refers to the process whereby individuals learn the appropriate behavior (for their culture) that allows
them to be functioning members of a particular group, such as a family, work, or social group (the formative years).
In expanded form it means: the process by which an individual accepts the goals of a social group to which he or she belongs and integrates
these goals with those that he or she otherwise would choose individually. The term is meaningful in discussing “family values” in that people
learn to see their personal effectiveness through the family rather than just their own personal efforts—marriage and parenting are usually
major steps in this process.
· Are able to engage in critical thinking by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information and ideas,
· Know how to learn,
· Engage in clear and effective communication.
· Are able to apply knowledge to the search for solutions to important human problems.
The value of a liberal arts education is that “liberally educated people have been liberated by their education to explore and fulfill the promise
of their own highest talents.” - Source unknown.
SUMMARY:
What does this all mean for you?
First, that “education” as we normally understand and use the word is very limited – we usually mean the formal, school part, which so very
often seems unrelated to life, and seems boring and useless at times. Now that we’ve seen the “bigger picture” – it opens up a whole new
horizon.
That horizon reveals that everything we learn – no matter what it is – is part of our “education”. That includes learning how to tie your
shoelaces, or how to draw, or how to ride a bike, or how to get along with people, and how to do all sorts of things.
Secondly, from the root meaning of the word, “education”, we see that it involves “drawing upon what we already know – that’s what
“drawing out”, or “leading out” means. That means we already have a lot of knowledge inside us – right from the start.
A teacher’s role in this is to help us connect the things we already know with things we don’t know – with new information and experiences.
And once we see this and fully grasp the significance of it – “education” and “learning” take on a whole new dimension.
Because, then we see it as: the process we go through to unfold and develop ourselves. And that makes it a much more exciting, and
meaningful concept and process. If it hasn’t become that for you – it usually means that those responsible for your development failed to
impart the connections and help you unfold. It does not have to be that way.
Dawn Cove Abbey is dedicated to help people grow, learn and develop in all dimensions: academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually.
You will find help: guidance and counselling.
Klaas Tuinman MA
Dawn Cove Abbey
Deerfield, (Yarmouth County) Nova Scotia, Canada 2006-2008
There are many good resources here (including a Glossary of concepts) and on the web for you to explore concepts such as “culture”,
“socialization”, “enculturation” and many other related ones – all part of your “education”.
| Education and Socialization: Process to Empowerment & Potential |
Learning: a life long process
the journey to realizing your human potential
Only the Wounded Heal; Only the Separated Reconcile
Helping People make sense of chaotic
lives: healing & recovery
lives: healing & recovery
Empowerment: Counselling - Life Coaching,
Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
Seminars, Workshops & Retreats
| When life hurts - there is immediate help for long term hope |
| Dawn Cove Abbey Empowerment Outreach - New Beginning Online Information Resources, and other supports for Individuals, Couples and Families LIFE COUNSELING / COACHING / COUNSELLING and CONSULTING: HEALING YOUR WOUNDED INNER CHILD |
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