Final answer:
Formal education in higher institutions refers to a structured system that teaches academic facts and concepts. It began as a privilege for the upper classes but became more accessible with social changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. Higher education typically starts with a broad liberal arts curriculum before specialization, with an aim to enrich cultural capital and encourage self-examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formal education pertains to the structured educational system that includes the acquisition of academic facts and concepts through a pre-determined curriculum. This system of education has evolved significantly from its origins in ancient Greek thought, where it was reserved for the upper classes who had exclusive access to academic resources and the needed leisure time for learning. The Industrial Revolution played a pivotal role in democratizing education, making it accessible to the broader population, including the burgeoning middle class who began to embrace the opportunities for schooling.
Higher education often commences with a liberal arts foundation covering a breadth of disciplines such as mathematics, physical sciences, history, and literature. The initial broad exposure to various academic fields is crucial for expanding the world view of students. After this foundational phase, they embark on a more specialized path of education that builds upon this broadened perspective, leading to the acquisition of cultural capital and fostering their ability to engage in self-examination in the tradition of Socratic philosophy.
Beyond the classroom, informal education also occurs in society, teaching practical life skills that complement formal academic learning. The ultimate goal of both formal and informal education is to prepare individuals to participate fully in their communities and the wider world, both professionally and personally.