* Apprenticeship: This was a dominant form of learning. Children learned a trade or craft directly from a master practitioner. This involved hands-on experience, observation, imitation, and gradually increasing responsibility within the chosen profession (e.g., blacksmithing, carpentry, weaving, farming). This method transmitted practical skills and knowledge specific to the trade.
* Oral Tradition: Knowledge, stories, history, beliefs, and values were passed down through generations verbally. This included songs, poems, proverbs, myths, and rituals. Elders and respected community members played a crucial role in transmitting this information. Storytelling was a vital component of preserving and disseminating cultural heritage.
* Family and Community: Learning was integrated into daily life. Children learned by observing and participating in the activities of their families and communities. This involved tasks like cooking, cleaning, hunting, gathering, and childcare. They also learned social norms and expectations through their interactions with others.
* Observation and Imitation: Learning often happened through careful observation of others and then imitating their actions and techniques. This was especially important in acquiring practical skills.
* Religious Institutions (in some cultures): Monasteries and temples in various cultures served as centers of learning and scholarship, preserving written texts and teaching religious doctrines. This was often limited to a select group.
It's important to note that "learning" before schools wasn't necessarily less effective. It was simply different, tailored to the needs of a less complex, often agrarian society. While formal schooling provides structured and systematic learning, pre-school learning methods emphasized practical skills, cultural preservation, and community integration. The level of literacy varied greatly depending on culture and time period; many societies functioned perfectly well with limited written records.