Why Education Is Important – Lecture Notes Vocabulary

30 vocabulary flashcards summarizing key terms, concepts and programs related to the importance and impact of education discussed in the lecture.

Education

A lifelong process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values and judgment to navigate life and contribute to society.

Formal Education

Structured learning provided by qualified teachers in schools or universities, following a set curriculum and timetable.

Informal Education

Unstructured learning that happens outside schools—at home, in libraries, online, or through community elders—without a fixed curriculum.

Non-formal Education

Organized learning that is flexible in time and curriculum, often delivered through community courses or vocational training outside traditional schools.

Communication Skills

Abilities in reading, writing, speaking and listening that are strengthened through education and essential for personal and professional success.

Critical Thinking

The capacity to use logic and reasoning when making decisions or solving problems, fostered by educational experiences.

Problem-solving Skills

Techniques for identifying challenges and creating solutions, developed through the schooling system.

Self-reliance

Independence achieved when literacy and numeracy empower individuals to manage finances, businesses and daily tasks.

Empowerment

Increased confidence and control over life circumstances gained through knowledge and education.

Gender Equality

Equal rights and opportunities for all genders; education helps empower girls and women, reducing teen pregnancy and increasing autonomy.

Child Mortality

The death rate of children under five; education of mothers significantly lowers this rate.

Poverty Eradication

Reduction of extreme poverty as education raises employability and earnings; each additional school year boosts income in low-income countries by ~10%.

Economic Growth

Nationwide increase in productivity and income, strongly linked to the literacy and educational level of the population.

Stability and Financial Security

Greater employment prospects and higher salaries resulting from higher educational attainment.

Literacy

The ability to read and write, opening access to information and lifelong learning.

Basic Reading Skills

Foundational literacy abilities that could lift hundreds of millions out of poverty if universally acquired.

Time Management

Planning and organizing time effectively, a cognitive skill enhanced by education.

Community-based Courses

Local, often non-formal learning programs aimed at specific skills or knowledge for all age groups.

Vocational Training

Practical instruction focused on specific trades or occupations, usually part of non-formal education.

World Vision

A humanitarian organization that promotes child well-being and education through various global programs.

Child Sponsorship (World Vision)

Program pooling donor funds to provide children with food, water, healthcare and education in 44 countries.

Raw Hope

World Vision initiative offering safe spaces and continued learning for children in the world’s most dangerous regions.

Gift Catalogue

Online World Vision platform where donors fund items like textbooks to support children’s education.

After-school Literacy Activities

Supplementary programs attended by children to strengthen reading and writing skills outside regular class hours.

Teen Pregnancy Reduction

Social benefit where each extra year of schooling for girls lowers teen pregnancy rates, as seen in Peru by ~7%.

Employment Opportunities

Job prospects that increase with higher education levels; 70% of Canadian jobs require college-level reading skills.

Basic Numeracy

Fundamental arithmetic skills essential for budgeting, business and daily decision-making.

Donor Sponsorship Impact

Result of 317,942 children funded through World Vision Canada in 2022, many now accessing formal education.

Training to End Violence

Programs engaging over 177,000 participants aimed at protecting children and supporting safe learning environments.

Access to Free Education

Right guaranteed in countries like Canada through high school, contrasted with limited access elsewhere that donors can help improve.