Definitions

Why definitions? Words are extremely powerful, and dictionaries are always very precise about what vocabulary they use in their definitions. Look at the definitions of “public” and “education” below and think about how they fit together and how they differ. After looking them over, list out the words frequently used. What terms seem to be the most important? What terms change? Which fit most closely with what you have heard or think about public education? As a group, come up with your own definition for public education, paying close attention to what the group wishes to include or exclude.

Public Education—education at a school as opposed to being ‘privately educated’; also education at a PUBLIC SCHOOL as distinguished from a private school.  (Oxford English Dictionary).

Public—adj.  1.  of or pertaining to the people as a whole; that belongs to, affects, or concerns the community or nation; common, national, popular.  2.  In various phases (mostly obsolete)  rendering or suggested by the commonwealth or state; the common or national good or well-being.  3.  Done or made by or on behalf of the community as a whole; authorized by, acting for, or representing the community.  4.  That is open to, may be used by, or may or must be shared by all members of the community; not restricted to the private use of any person or persons; generally accessible or available; generally levied (as a rate tax).  (Oxford English Dictionary)

Education—n.  1. The process of nourishing or rearing a child or young person, an animal.  2.  the process of ‘bringing up’ (young persons);  the manner in which a young person has been ‘brought up,’ with reference to social situation, kind of manners and habits acquired, calling or employment prepared for, etc.  3.  the systematic instruction, schooling or training given to the young in preparation for the work of life; by extension, similar instruction or training obtained in adult age.  Also, the whole course of scholastic instruction which a person has received.  Often with limiting words denoting the nature or the predominant subject of the instruction or kind of life for which it prepares, as classical, legal, medical, technical, commercial, art education.  4.  Culture or development of powers, formation of character, as contrasted with the imparting of mere knowledge or skill.  Often with limiting word, as intellectual, moral, physical.  (Oxford English Dictionary)

Public—adj.  1.  of the people as a whole.  2.  open to or shared by all.  3.  done or existing openly.  4.  (of service, funds, etc.)  provided by, concerning, or serving the government (The Oxford Essential Dictionary, American Edition.  New York, 1998).

Education—n.  1.  systematic instruction, schooling, etc.  2.  particular kind of or stage in education  3.  development of character or mental powers; formative experience.  (The Oxford Essential Dictionary, American Edition.  New York, 1998).

Public—adj.  1.  Of, concerning, or affecting the community or the people:  the public good.  2.  Maintained for or used by the people or community:  a public park.  3.  Capitalized in shares of stock that can be traded on the open market:  a public company.  4.  Participated in or attended by the people or community:  “Opinions are formed in a process of open discussion and public debate”  (Hannah Arendt).  5.  Connected with or acting on behalf of the people, community, or government:  public office.  6.  Enrolled in or attending a public school:  transit passes for public students.  7.  Open to the knowledge or judgment of all:  a public scandal.  (Dictionary.com, 2005)

Education—n.  1.  The act or process of educating or being educated.  2.  The knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process.  3.  A program of instruction of a specified kind or level: driver education;  a college education.  4.  The field of study that is concerned with the pedagogy of teaching and learning.  5.  An instructive or enlightening experience:  Her work in the inner city was a real education.  (Dictionary.com, 2005)

Public— adj.  1.  exposed to general view  2a.  Of, relating to, or affecting all  the people or the whole area of a nation or state <public law>  b. of or relating to a government  c.  of, or relating to, or being in the service of the community or nation  3.  of or relating to people in general  4. of or relating to business or community interests as opposed to private affairs  5.  devoted to the general or national welfare.  6a.  Accessible to or shared by all members of the community  b.  Capitalized in shares that can be freely traded on the open market—often used with go  (Merriam-Webster Online, 2005)

Education—n.  1a.  The action or process of educating or of being educated; also : a stage of such a process  b.  The knowledge and development resulting from an education al process <a man of little education>  2.  the field of study that deals mainly with methods of teaching and learning in schools (Merriam-Webster Online, 2005)