The form of education that existed in 20th century and that is still continuing in 21st Century took roots from the education in the middle ages. We can safely say that during the middle ages education became more common and universities sprung up as a means to provide higher learning. However, it was again mostly boys going to universities and wealthier families had home schooling for the girls.
The division in learning and mostly limiting the education to wealthier families continued up until 19th century when Joseph Lancaster (http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/329001/Joseph-Lancaster ) in England and Andrew Bell(http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/59576/Andrew-Bell ) in Madras (currently known as Chennai) independently invented new method of educating the working class It is then the roots for mass education started establishing. The so-called ‘trainer train trainees’ is nothing but an off-shoot of the Lancaster method where monitors were being taught first before putting them in charge of classes to teach other pupils. Lancaster method incorporated reward system for good learners and punishment for those lagging behind. Bell system was similar to Lancaster method but devoid of corporal punishment.
20th century brought reforms in education in terms of its reach, ownership and delivery methods adapted. While states started owning the education to provide the basic learning and to extend the reach to educate each and every person of the state, the universities were still viewed as either private or public but heavily subsidized by both state and federal governments. Moreover, governments insured universities against failures. Universities not only depend on university grants, they also depend on donors and other privately funded research. Whether it is a for-profit or non-profit university, the aspects of learning have been heavily skewed by the economies of scale and the management style.
All my institutional learning happened in 20th century. Hence it is important for me to present you a perspective of my learning to establish the grounds for COL for the 21st century.