Difference Between Formal Education And Non-Formal Education

Education is the practice of enabling people to learn, the acquisition of new skills, knowledge, values, attitudes, and behaviors, through various channels. Educational systems include teaching, counseling, interactive learning, literature, direct instruction, and practiced learning. The curriculum should be such that it provides for the development of appropriate skills and competencies in students. The process of education should be well supported by competent professionals like teachers, guardians, curriculum developers, school counselors and custodians, who work together as a team to educate the students. Effective education policies should be formulated to ensure the equal distribution of opportunity irrespective of the socio-economic status and disability. The curriculum should be flexible, such that it can be modified or altered as per the needs of the students.

Education is an essential part of our lives and it continues to be a source of social and economic progress in our country. It enables individuals to participate in the community and strengthen their personal and professional life. Education contributes to individual growth and the improvement of quality of life. Education also determines the social reproduction of human beings through the channels established like schools, colleges, universities, vocational or technical schools, and other institutions. There is a big difference between formal education and non-formal education.

Non-formal education is generally conducted at homes, among close relatives, neighbors or friends, for personal reasons. Formal education on the other hand is generally a subject taught in a classroom with the involvement of teachers, guardians, counselors and other trained experts. Formal education is often characterized by the use of textbooks, teaching tools, tests and exams while informal learning process is more often a combination of classroom discussions, observation, self-directed learning through listening activities, group projects, musical play, cultural activities, computer games, art works and other forms of physical and non-formal interaction. It is believed that informal education is more successful than formal because it facilitates the natural process of learning wherein the learner fully experiences the environment. It also involves the use of practical skills, socialization and problem solving techniques.