* Oral Tradition: Knowledge, skills, beliefs, and history were passed down verbally through storytelling, songs, myths, and rituals. This method relied heavily on memory and direct observation.
* Apprenticeship: Children learned practical skills like farming, hunting, fishing, pottery, weaving, and craftsmanship through direct observation and participation alongside experienced adults within their communities. This was a hands-on, personalized form of education.
* Imitation and Observation: Learning was often a matter of mimicking elders and observing their actions. This was particularly true for social roles and customary practices.
* Socialization: Communities played a crucial role in shaping individuals' understanding of their culture, values, and expectations. Learning happened organically through participation in social events, ceremonies, and everyday life.
* No Standardized Curriculum: There wasn't a set curriculum or grading system. What was considered important to learn varied depending on the specific community, its environment, and its needs.
In short, pre-Magellanic education was informal because it lacked the structured, institutionalized framework of formal schooling. It was contextual, practical, and deeply embedded in the social and environmental fabric of the community. The emphasis was on practical skills and cultural transmission rather than theoretical knowledge.