Formal education is an organized education model, structured and administered by laws and norms, and subject to strict curriculum objectives, methodology and content. Generally speaking this form of education involves the instructor, students and the institution. Participants in formal education are expected to attend classes, subject themselves to assessment that is meant to take learning to the next stage and it results in the attainment of diplomas and degrees.
Unfortunately this system blames students for failures but it takes no account of students’ standards and subjectivities. Additionally, students, in most cases, fail to be active participants in the learning process. The teaching methodology is not creative, it fails to consider basic learning principles and the personal growth objectives of students are neglected.
Non-formal education is in many ways different from formal education. It is flexible in terms of curricula, and methodology but learning in these settings is not by chance, instead it is intentional and organized. Students’ needs and interests are placed in the center and the time frame is lacking.
Additionally, the contact between students and instructors is significantly less and most of learning happens outside class and institutions. While formal education lacks the practical side of knowledge, non-formal education focuses on skills and the development of attitudes such as tolerance which are vital to one’s future success. Studies suggest that the needs of students are better met by non-formal education which enables them to know themselves and the world better.
In general, non-formal education focuses on the student, it is open and flexible to needs and interests of students, and is quick to respond to the changing needs of individuals and societies.
Informal education does not follow a plan, it happens in all settings and learning is unconscious. In informal education the responsibility for learning rests with the individual. Mistakes are valued and are considered vital to learning, more mistakes means more learning. This form of education in most cases happens in friendships, families and work environments.
Current education policies are radically handicapped for not utilizing the potential in non-formal and informal learning. Previous studies convincingly argue that formal education systems are failing to meet the needs of individuals and societies. The growing need to provide more and better education to an ever growing number of students especially in developing countries, are urging for alternatives that go beyond formal education in addressing these problems. Experts argue that non-formal
education, compared to formal education, is an effective alternative to link education and national development. Furthermore, non-formal education focused on needs of real life encourages innovation and offers short term results and long term achievements.
