Systems of formal education

Education systems are established to provide education and training, frequently for children and the young. A curriculum defines what students should know, understand and be capable to do as the result of education. A teaching profession delivers teaching which enables learning and a system of rules, policies, conduct exams, regulations, structures and funding enables teachers to teach to the best of their abilities. Sometimes education systems can be used to endorse doctrines or ideals as well as knowledge, which is known as social engineering. This can lead to political mistreatment of the system, particularly in totalitarian states and government.

Education is a broad concept, referring to all the experiences in which students can learn something. Instruction refers to the deliberate facilitating of learning toward identified goals, delivered either by an instructor or other forms. Teaching refers to the actions of a real live instructor planned to impart learning to the student. Training refers to learning with a view toward preparing learners with exact knowledge, skills, or abilities that can be applied immediately upon completion.