Types of Education

Education: Background and History

It is referred to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, and beliefs through different mediums such as experiential, storytelling, discussion, teaching and research. It has been a crucial reason for human survival ever since the origin of history. Education is an intense need for teaching the younger members of groups and families in pre-literate societies the different ways to hunt and survive the harsh conditions of the environment. The major way of learning was through imitation and storytelling and as the cultures began to develop and become more complex, the need for formal arose with it. Schools first started to establish in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom era and after not so long, a formal academy was formed by Plato in Athens, Greece. The first library was formed in the 3rd BC known as the Library of Alexandria in Egypt. 

While the Middle East prospered in its literary endeavors, producing well-renowned philosophers, there was a major decline in educational influence in Europe after the fall of Rome. However, there was a rise in cathedral schools during the Early Middle Ages to promote religious which further evolved into medieval universities like the University of Oxford. At the same time, the Middle East was inspired to raise Islamic and Mathematics scholars and spread around the whole world. The Renaissance era paved the way for scientific and intellectual inquiry whereas the Enlightenment era turned towards a more secular educational approach. 

What is meant by Formal Education?

Formal schooling is usually provided in a structured environment which usually includes schools and is given by qualified teachers or instructors who impart rudimentary, academic or trade knowledge and skills. It generally involves physical learning spaces (classrooms), student and teacher interactions, activities, quizzes, assignments and tests. Preschool, also known as nursery or kindergarten provides a child-oriented learning environment to unfold and startup their learning abilities, both academic and physical. It aims to provide the most basic level of education to children who are 3-7 years old so they can discover themselves and their environment. 

Importance of formal education

Primary schools are also known as elementary schools for children of 6 to 12 years of age. It usually comprises of infant and junior schools where they teach students a specifically approved curriculum. Secondary it is usually given by high-schools or colleges to adolescents. Education essentially aim to provide practical job skills for white-collar or blue-collar work. Community colleges are also part of it and it helps to provides junior courses to students who live in that specific area. On the other hand in not compulsory as opposed to Primary and Secondary educational institutes. Higher studies  comes after completing high-school and upon its completion, students are awarded certificates, degrees or diplomas. It includes undergraduate, postgraduate as well as vocational and training and there is an increasing rate of students who are now applying for this and in turn improving the global economy. There is a wide variety of programs to choose from including liberal arts, medical, professional and technical areas. Vocational institutes focus on imparting practical skills in a particular trade such as agriculture, carpentry, architecture, etc. in the form of internships or apprenticeships. 

What is meant by Informal Education?

Informal learning usually requires a person for reference purposes which can be a guide, expert or even a peer. It involves learning through anything except school and without a proper learning method. It can be gained through books, online educational websites, and libraries. Education has no specific curriculum nor is it a deliberate attempt to gain knowledge. It mainly consists of experiential learning from friends’ families and the environment in general. A person learning to speak their mother tongue or spontaneous learning of opening a bank account by overhearing another person who is doing it are examples of informal learning.

Importance of having informal education

It is an unforced and natural learning process unlike formal education so there are fewer burdens and expectations to do well in it. Informal learning is also less time consuming and cost-effective as there is no need to go to a school or pay tuition fees. It is proved to be more interesting as the person can choose their topic of interest to learn about instead of studying from a fixed curriculum. The more diverse use of mediums is also involved as people can use books, T.V, radio, social media, etc. to gain knowledge on different subjects. However, knowledge acquired through these mediums may not always be correct or can easily be misunderstood which can lead to misinformation. This may also cause a lack of confidence in the learner. 

What is meant by Non-formal Education?

Non-formal learning is when a person learns basic, academic or job skills without ever going to school. Their education is equivalent to that learned at school. It is systematic, organized and a conscious effort to learn as opposed to informal learning. This can be done through homeschooling, computer-based learning, individualized learning or distance learning. Boy/girl scouts learning different crafts, fitness and community-based programs are some examples of non-formal learning. Non-formal is planned but can be adjusted and made flexible to a certain extent.

Importance of having non-formal education

There are usually no restrictions with respect to age or duration of time involved. It can be both full-time and part-time with a focus on practical training and Education. There is usually no need for exams but it merely focuses on instilling professional skills within individuals. The drawbacks include the likeliness of participants to drop out of the study and there may be a lack of motivation as no degrees or certificates are awarded on the completion of that course. There is also a lack of trained professionals which may affect the quality of learning.

Verdict

Whether attained through formal, informal or non-formal ways directly contributes to your personal growth and allows you to take a step forward in life towards personal progression and achievement of your goals and ambitions. It broadens our thinking abilities and facilitates us in becoming creative and innovative in our life and way of thinking. Education with all its types is aimed to customize the learning process for each individual to gain knowledge in whichever aspect required by them.