Pedagogical context of learning and teaching

2. Upbringing and education

Education is one of the fundamental concepts of pedagogy. It is a process of meaningful interpersonal relationships shaped by various conditions and influencing factors. In this context, education can be understood as a process primarily focused on the affective development of the individual—that is, on the formation of values, attitudes, habits, and patterns of behavior. Education is not the passive acquisition or imitation of predefined values, norms, attitudes, or motives, nor mere adaptation to them; rather, it emerges from the totality of the learner’s lived experience and active engagement. Education therefore has both individual and social dimensions.

The concept of upbringing is closely connected with the concept of education, and the two are often discussed together as a unified educational process. While upbringing primarily influences the affective development of the individual, education mainly contributes to cognitive development - knowledge and intellectual abilities - as well as psychomotor development, which includes practical skills.

Education may be defined “the organized learning of knowledge and psychomotor skills that occurs through cognitive psychological processes (perception, thinking and memory). For this reason, education is described as organized cognitive learning” (Pastuović, 2004). The purpose of education is to provide young people and adults with conditions that enable them to understand the traditions and ideas shaping the society in which they live, to comprehend their own and other cultures as well as natural laws, and to acquire linguistic and other skills that form the foundation for learning, personal development, creativity and communication” (Stammers & John, 1980).

Upbringing and education are realized through an integrated process and cannot exist independently of one another. Without their unity, the development of a well-rounded personality is not possible. With regard to modes of implementation, education may be institutional or individual and can take place in formal, non-formal, or informal contexts.

1. Formal education is conducted within educational institutions that implement curricula approved by state authorities and operate in accordance with legal regulations. Upon completion of such programs, participants attain a defined level of education and formal qualifications. This form of education includes regular schooling at various levels, from primary education to university studies.
2. Non-formal education also involves organized learning but usually takes place outside the formal education system, most commonly in the form of courses, workshops, or seminars.
3. Informal education lacks externally organized instruction and is based primarily on the individual’s independent activity. It often occurs incidentally, spontaneously, and unintentionally through everyday experiences, social interactions, and practical engagement, leading to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.