The purpose of Education is to prepare students to participate in society and to solve problems in a cooperative way. Education should develop students’ interpersonal skills, improve their skills to deal with conflict and work cooperatively, and promote tolerance, respect for diversity, and participation in community life. It should also help them to develop a global perspective.
Formal education
Formal education is a systematic process through which people acquire knowledge and skills that are recognized by the government. It starts at the preschool stage and continues through primary, secondary and university education. Students who receive formal education complete a prescribed curriculum developed by state and private institutions. This involves attending classroom lessons, taking certain subjects, meeting certain time requirements and passing examinations.
In contrast, non-formal education is less structured and offers the student more freedom. However, non-formal education does not award degrees or diplomas officialized by the state. In formal education, a student receives a diploma after graduating.
Informal education
Informal education is an all-encompassing term for education that occurs outside of a traditional classroom setting. This type of education takes the interest and experience of students as the basis for its methods. The process usually occurs through conversation and exploration. There are many ways that informal education can benefit students. Read on to learn more about some of the ways that this type of education is different from traditional classroom settings.
Informal educators are often appointed to work directly with students, but they also work with other professionals. This means that they often need to have a deep understanding of the context in which they work. In some cases, this requires a professional qualification.
Non-formal education
The term non-formal education encompasses an array of learning experiences outside of the traditional school system. The idea is to create a more flexible, learner-centred approach to education, one that promotes practical applications. The term is often applied to adult basic education and adult literacy. Non-formal education programs often help people acquire job skills or basic life skills.
Non-formal education can also be used to enhance the quality of education. The goal of such education is to help individuals develop the knowledge and skills they need to make their lives better. It should be flexible and inclusive of different types of learners and different learning styles. It should also be participatory and safe, and should provide for proper nutrition and sanitation.
Initiatives to ensure quality basic education for all
Initiatives to ensure quality basic education for all must focus on equitable access, sustained participation and effective learning achievement. Such initiatives should mobilize human and financial resources, and involve all sectors of society. The investment of time, energy and resources in basic education is one of the most significant investments in a society’s future and people’s well-being.
In addition to public funds, partnerships should be formed with community and religious bodies and non-governmental organizations, which often have experience in the field. These organizations are in an ideal position to identify and meet basic education needs, and they must be respected and valued. Partnerships with these groups should also recognize the crucial role they play in communities.