Group1-World Roots of American Ed: Chapter Summary

Royal University of Phnom Penh
Institute of Foreign Languages FE401

Department of English 2024-2025
Group 1:Va Kimhong

Ny Sopheakyta
Lay Ekmardin
Yeoun Sopheng
Oum Raksa
Thorn Watvatey
Cheang Sreyleak
Class: E4.2
World Roots of American Ed: Chapter Summary
Education in Preliterate Societies

● Cultural transmission: In ancient times, the origin of informal learning is from families, which
is passed from one generation to the next. This can help us understand the resistance to change
in the modern educational systems.
● Trial-and-error learning: Preliterate people face many challenges of surviving in an
environment. By trial and error, they developed survival skills that over time became cultural
patterns. The skills must be transmitted from adults to children.
● Moral codes: Over time, groups developed survival skills and passed these on to their young.
● Oral traditions: There are no written records; preliterate societies depend on storytelling to
preserve their cultural heritage.
● Storytelling: Stories and storytelling are very important to make young generations meet their
culture and its hero, legend, and past.
● Literacy: With the development of written languages, we can record the past and create history
that can lead to formal education systems, with three great examples of ancient cultures: the
Chinese, the Egyptian, and the Hebraic.
Education in Ancient Chinese Civilization
The Chinese civilization's long history and influence provide insights into education's evolution. As
the world's largest population, China has a rich educational heritage, including Confucianism. The
Chinese have maintained cultural continuity, despite early ethnocentrism and reluctance to adapt to
new ideas. Adapting to new ideas, especially in science and technology, and maintainingone's own
cultural identity remains an important educational issue in China and other countries. This issue rises
a question on how to provide students with appreciation for past achievements while also
technological change.
Confucian Education
Confucian education, based on the teachings of Confucius, focused on creating an ethical society
through structured roles and proper behavior. It differed from Legalism, which emphasized strict
control, and Taoism, which encouraged introspection and simplicity. Instead, Confucianism promoted
social harmony by ensuring that everyone understood their roles, responsibilities, and the appropriate
way to behave.
Rituals and manners were central to Confucian education. Civility and proper behavior helped
maintain social harmony, and rituals taught individuals how to fulfill their roles in society. Teachers
were expected to model this behavior and guide their students through constructive feedback.
Hierarchy was also important in Confucian thought. Relationships were structured based on position,
status, and achievements, which ensured stability and order. This idea contrasted with modern views
of equality, as Confucius believed in fixed relationships rather than flexible ones. Traditions were
emphasized to maintain peace and continuity in society.
Confucius also developed a system to train future government officials. Students had to meet high
academic standards and were taught ethical principles, court etiquette, and polite behavior. Classical
texts, like The Classics of Poetry and The Spring and Autumn Annals, formed the basis of education
for centuries.
Overview 3.1
Key Periods in Educational History
● Early Societies (7000 BCE - 5000 BCE): Informal learning focused on survival skills and
cultural values, transmitted through oral traditions and imitation.
● Ancient China (3000 BCE - 1900 CE): A formal education system emerged, centered around
Confucian principles. It aimed to train elite males as government officials.
● Ancient Egypt (3000 BCE - 300 BCE): Education was primarily for the upper class, focusing
on training priest-scribes. It involved memorization and copying religious and technical texts.
● Judaic Education (1200 BCE - Present): This tradition emphasizes the transmission of Jewish
religion and culture through studying sacred texts and oral teachings.
● Greek Education (1600 BCE - 300 BCE): Different city-states had varying approaches. Athens
focused on a well-rounded education, while Sparta prioritized military training.
● Roman Education (750 BCE - 450 CE): Roman education aimed to develop civic
responsibility and practical skills, including law, rhetoric, and military tactics.
● Arabic Education (700 - 1350 CE): Islamic education emphasized religious commitment and
scientific knowledge. It involved the study of the Quran, Islamic law, mathematics, medicine,
and astronomy.
● Medieval Education (500 - 1400 CE): Medieval education focused on religious training and
the preservation of classical knowledge. Universities emerged as centers of higher learning.
● Renaissance Education (1350 - 1500 CE): The Renaissance brought a renewed interest in
classical Greek and Roman culture, emphasizing a humanist approach to education.
● Reformation Education (1500 - 1600 CE): The Reformation and Counter-Reformation led to
the establishment of schools to promote religious literacy and moral education.
China’s Contribution to World and Western Education

Ancient China's national examination system shaped educational practices, focusing on memorization
of Confucian texts rather than problem-solving. This hierarchical system favored upper-class males,
excluding women from education and civil service roles.
Currently, national examinations remain vital in countries like China, Japan, and the US, where
standardized testing is used to measure student performance. Critics argue that this focus on testing
can stifle diverse teaching methods. Teachers must consider how these exams influence their
instructional approaches.

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Royal University of Phnom Penh

Institute of Foreign Languages FE401

Group 1:Va Kimhong

World Roots of American Ed: Chapter Summary

Education in Preliterate Societies

China’s Contribution to World and Western Education

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