There are no
clear-cut forms of education. Generally, education is discussed as three types,
i.e. formal, informal, and nonformal.
Formal Education
It is a
preplanned, direct, and systematically, organized activity provided in specific
educational institutions, such as schools and colleges. In formal education,
there are well defined goals or objectives of curriculum. Teaching is conducted
by highly qualified and trained teachers and strict discipline is observed.
There is always examination towards the end and awarding of certificate occurs
after the successful completion of the course. It can be said that formal
education is based on rules, customs, and procedures. It is consciously and
deliberately planned for modification of behavior with a particular end result.
Formal education takes place in schools, colleges, and institutions specially
established and maintained for educational activity.
The
influence of formal education is systematic, definite, and permanent. There is
a systematic method of evaluation. Therefore, the results of formal education
can be predicted. It can be said that the proper progress of human beings is
possible only through formal education.
Informal Education
It is not a
systematically planned or deliberate activity. Most of the time, it is
incidental and spontaneous. In informal education, the main emphasis is given
on formation or development of habits, ideas, attitudes, or skills. Learning
occurs as a result of experiences grained from day-to-day life or by interactions
with others. It is causal and one gains knowledge through daily experience and
activities. There are no specific agencies like’s schools or colleges to impart
education to the students, it is rather provided by informal agencies such as
home, family, or community. There is no well-defined curriculum. No
specifically qualified personnel to teach and there is no evaluation system
like examination and conferring certificates or degrees to the students.
Modification in behavior is seen spontaneously or out of necessity without
having any conscious efforts for it. Learning as a result of this informal
education starts at birth and continues till death.
Nonformal Education
Nonformal
education has a middle path to follow. It is somewhere in between formal and
informal types of education. Therefore, it shares some of the characteristics
of both types of education. Nonformal education is considered to be a highly
flexible system without rigid rules, regulations and time frame. It is
systematically planned, organized, implemented, and integrated with day-to-day
activities and works of the learner.
This kind of
education is designed to meet the learning needs of different categories of
persons in the society. Some of the examples of nonformal education are correspondence
courses, distance learning, open schools, continuing education programmes, etc.
There has been increasing use of technology in formal education. Top leaning,
web-based leaning, and teleconferencing/telelecturing/ videoconferencing are
examples through which nonformal education is possible.
Success of
nonformal education depends upon student’s desire to learn and progress, level
of motivation among the students, autonomy on the part of learner in terms of
freedom of time, and upon place and pace of learning. People seeking nonformal
education may opt for postal or correspondence courses.
They learn at their leisure time, getting guidance through postal tuitions,
contact programmes via teleconferencing, etc.
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