Education is the process of facilitating learning , or the acquisition of knowledge , skills , values , beliefs , and habits . Educational methods include teaching , training , storytelling , discussion and directed research . Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, however learners can also educate themselves . Education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered educational. The methodology of teaching is called pedagogy . Formal education is commonly divided formally into such stages as preschool or kindergarten , primary school , secondary school and then college , university , or apprenticeship .