Education
Fact-checked

At PracticalAdultInsights, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is English Education?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

The definition of English education depends on the perspective of those defining it. Some of the things this term can mean include: English classes taught in American k-12 schools, or literacy and English classes taught in UK primary and secondary schools. It can also refer to linguistic, creative writing, or literature courses that lead to a degree at the college level, and English as a second language instruction, which is available in many countries.

In the United States, a basic K-12 education features yearly courses in English. In primary school, these include instruction on learning to read and write, and then they diverge, taking on more difficult subjects that include mechanics and grammar. By the time students are ready for seventh or eighth grade they’ve learned a variety of subjects in what is termed an English education, and have studied things like literature, reading comprehension, and creative writing. The upper grades continue to work on reading comprehension, mechanics, interpretation, and writing.

Vocabulary cards can be used for learning English.
Vocabulary cards can be used for learning English.

There are similarities between the UK and United States in English education. Primary grade students in the UK often study what is called literacy, as opposed to English education. It should be noted that an education at a school in England is by definition an English education. When this term is specifically applied to learning to read and write in English, it is split into the primary literacy classes and the secondary English classes. Most secondary students in England will study English until they’re about 16.

English education can include studying literature.
English education can include studying literature.

In college in both countries, English typically means the study of literature and it may include the study of linguistics and creative writing. Technically, the study of English literature is the study of works produced by those who were resident to England or were born there. In American colleges some people work on an English degree and spend most of their time specifically studying American writers, but this is not referred to as an American literature degree.

In some instances, the term "English education" refers to students learning English as a second language (ESL).
In some instances, the term "English education" refers to students learning English as a second language (ESL).

English education can also describe learning how to speak English if one speaks a foreign language. In places where English is the predominant language, these may be English as a second language courses for students in traditional settings, at colleges, or in adult education settings. There are also some countries that mandate students learn English as a second language. In Japan, for example, secondary students must take two to three years of English classes to develop fluency in the language. Unless courses are specifically taught in English, study of Japanese literature or other topics would not be considered part of an English education.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent PracticalAdultInsights contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent PracticalAdultInsights contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vocabulary cards can be used for learning English.
      By: Gembo
      Vocabulary cards can be used for learning English.
    • English education can include studying literature.
      By: Chris Hart
      English education can include studying literature.
    • In some instances, the term "English education" refers to students learning English as a second language (ESL).
      By: isuaneye
      In some instances, the term "English education" refers to students learning English as a second language (ESL).
    • English education in college will include the study of literature, linguistics, and creative writing.
      By: spaxiax
      English education in college will include the study of literature, linguistics, and creative writing.
    • Literacy is a basic component of English education.
      By: Noam
      Literacy is a basic component of English education.