Earlier this year I did some applied research on the differences between formal, non-formal and informal education in both the sciences, a...
Earlier this year I did some applied research on the differences
between formal, non-formal and informal education in both the sciences, as well
as literacy and language education.
These terms have been used by the OECD (Organization for
Economic Cooperation and Development) as well as researchers and practitioners
around the globe. Here’s a simplified explanation:
Formal education – Organized, guided by a formal curriculum, leads to a formally
recognized credential such as a high school completion diploma or a degree, and
is often guided and recognized by government at some level. Teachers are
usually trained as professionals in some way.
Non-formal learning – Organized (even if it is only loosely organized), may or may
not be guided by a formal curriculum. This type of education may be led by a
qualified teacher or by a leader with more experience. Though it doesn’t result
in a formal degree or diploma, non-formal education is highly enriching and
builds an individual’s skills and capacities. Continuing education courses are
an example for adults. Girl guides and boy scouts are an example for children.
It is often considered more engaging, as the learner’s interest is a driving
force behind their participation.
Informal learning – No formal curriculum and no credits earned. The teacher is
simply someone with more experience such as a parent, grandparent or a friend.
A father teaching his child to play catch or a babysitter teaching a child
their ABC’s is an example of informal education.
These may be overly simplified explanations. There are times
when the lines between each type of learning get blurred, as well. It isn’t
always as cut and dry as it seems, but these definitions give you a general
idea of each type of learning.
If you’re interested, the two reports (one I wrote and the other
I co-authored), they have been archived in 3 countries are available free of
charge. There are links to the full reports here
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