Non-formal education focuses on the power of knowledge by helping individuals learn outside the confined zones of education. It develops critical thinking and has a broader concept of learning, focusing on practical knowledge.
Non-formal education is the education imparted outside the regular educational forum. It explains the various educational activities conducted for better and reformed growth by teaching basic fundamental rights to head up in every situation and voice their opinions freely.
However, non-formal education comprises courses different from the institutions or any scheme allotted by government funding and is achieved from the learner's intentional effort to master any activity beyond a set of rules described as informal education.
Non-formal education contributes to the development of our nation, and individuals become self-sufficient.
Table of Contents
- What is the Non-Formal Education?
- Difference Between Formal and Non-formal Education
- Importance of Non-Formal Education
- Principles of Non-Formal Education
- Objectives of Non-Formal Education
- Benefits of Non-Formal Education
- Features of Non-Formal Education in India
- Books for Non-formal Education
What is the Non-Formal Education?
Non-formal education is a structured, organized educational activity carried outside the usual framework of schools. Some of the added features of non-formal education are as follows:
- It has no age restrictions.
- It encompasses various learning methods.
- Non-formal education develops a wide range of learning.
- It promotes productive skills with substantial gains.
- It involves recreational tools to multiple sub-groups in the population.
- It generates national income and more adaptable employment opportunities.
- It also assists in the transfer of proper educational equipment to more need-based areas.
- It may cater to various learning programs like adult literacy, fundamental education for non-school-going children, life skills or culture, and diversity.
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Difference Between Formal and Non-formal Education
Non-formal education strives for better understanding despite any guided set of assessments. Some people ordinarily master proficiency in various activities and undergo checks to evaluate themselves for their acquired skills.
Tabulated below are the five differences between formal and informal education.
Formal Education | Non-Formal Education |
Formal education serves as a long-term general education. | Non-formal education is known as short-term or specific education. |
Formal education offers certificates that enable one to obtain a status in society. | It provides the learning that is immediately valued. |
Formal education duration is often ten years or more. | Non-formal education duration is short, ranging from 3 months to 2 years. |
Formal education is future-oriented. | Non-formal education facilitates immediate learning. |
Formal education takes place in educational institutions. | Non-formal education is based out of school available at a low cost. |
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Importance of Non-Formal Education
Education is a comprehensive approach to learning with no limitations to knowledge. Below are the importance of non-formal education.
- It is a fundamental approach to building confidence among individuals.
- People start trusting their instincts by learning different methods in any field.
- Students acquire emotional, cognitive, and other various inclusions of practices for skills.
- It provides a platform for developing new skills and generates opportunities.
- Brainstorming exercises, presentations, interactive lectures, etc., help build various skills.
- It creates value for the areas in which it is conducted.
- It motivates others to join the workforce and enhance their skills.
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Principles of Non-Formal Education
Non-formal education came into action in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Non-formal education can be imparted anywhere and everywhere.
Non-formal education has four principles:
- There should be adequate relevance to the needs of disadvantaged groups.
- A valid concern with particular categories of persons
- Unambiguous focus on clearly defined purposes.
- Enormous flexibility in organization and method.
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Objectives of Non-Formal Education
The motive is to ensure the quality of training and resources to non-formal educational sectors. Objectives of non-formal education are as follows:
- To encourage students who never appeared in any primary school or are dropouts to enhance their learning.
- To develop fundamental habits, manners, and etiquettes to manifest healthy and safe living standards.
- To endorse proficiency is their expertise concerning personal goals and objectives to make themselves sufficient.
- To enable them to speak, write, and read various texts in varied linguistic skills.
- It also gives individuals a platform to practice their skills and showcase their talents.
Also Read: Types of Education: Formal, Informal & Non-Formal
Benefits of Non-Formal Education
Non-formal education is a boon to society and the people who cannot witness the benefits of schooling. Below are some benefits of non-formal education:
- It aids in an individual's learning to grow confident and responsible.
- Experienced teachers with appropriate knowledge give practical loom to every learning.
- Programs are interactive and practical approaches are adapted to make individuals understand various methods.
- It provides each learner adequate space and time to learn skills and respect each individual associated.
- Consider personal growth and even the delicate issues are handled with the utmost care with proactive approaches.
- Gracefulness and capability to adapt to an individual's needs and profession on a personal level.
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Features of Non-Formal Education in India
Non-formal education is the complimentary aid established by the government, which focuses on developing the youth by providing various skills and tactics.
Additional features of non-formal education are as mentioned below:
- In India, non-formal education is a complementary system for formal education.
- Non-formal education is a flexible, supple form of education.
- Need-based education is promoted to instruct and guide individuals to understand any issue better.
- Non-formal education does not set criteria; anyone from anywhere can participate and learn specific skills.
- Being reasonably priced, people from rural or lightly populated areas can easily access learning and development.
- It leads to the nation's development as most people are educated in some form, and students learn diverse skills besides literacy or numeracy.
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Books for Non-formal Education
Non-formal education incorporates learning with different practical implementations. Some of the relevant books are mentioned below.
Book Title and Author | Book Cover |
Non-formal education by P.Ramachandra Pillai | |
Non-formal education: Flexible Schooling or Participatory Education? by Alan Rogers | |
Adult and Non-formal Education by Rameshwari Pandya | |
Literacy and Non-formal Education by V.C. Pandey | |
Non-formal and Continuing Education by U.K. Singh and K.N Sudarshan | |
Educational Thought and Practice by V.R. Taneja |
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