A Quick Guide on Different Types of Education

Education is the most important system of knowledge that people have invented so far. It is a way that people get to know more about the world, but also a way that they can learn more about themselves and others. We look at three different types of education here that can help you in different ways.

Indeed, education is an essential aspect of human lives; it is the basis of a good person. However, a good education teaches a person how to be a good person. Moreover, everyone understands the value of education, but did you realise that there are different types of education? This blog covers all education types in-depth. 

What is Education?

Before we can answer the question about types of education, we must first define what we mean by education.

The definition of the word education is to “teach” or “have learned.” The definition of the word education is a broad one and can be applied to many different situations. 

In addition, education is a wide range of activities designed to convey knowledge. 

Moreover, it can be conducted in various settings and by various institutions and organizations.

In other words, it is the process of learning a subject or discipline. Through education, people can learn how to do certain tasks and how the world works. 

However, there are mainly 4 purposes of education.

• Academic achievement, social mobility
• Character/mindset development, math learning
• Social cohesion
• Social equality

What is the main aim of education? Education is an integral part of every person’s life. The main aim of education is to educate.  However, the aim is not to provide rankings, measurements, and test scores but to educate. The aim is to get knowledge to your students. That’s the goal, and we need to get back to that. Rather, the main aim of education is to provide opportunities to grow and develop as a person.    While there are many different types of education available, it’s important to be aware of them and make sure you’re getting the best education for your situation.

What are The Types of Education?

Education refers to the development of the learning and thinking processes. Besides, it extends beyond the classroom’s four walls. Because education is all about gaining experience, we can divide it into three categories:

• Formal education
• Informal education
• Non-formal education

This section explains each of the three types of education.

Formal Education

Formal education is an organised educational system that runs from primary school to university and includes specialised vocational, technical, and professional training programmes.

In other words, formal education is also known as formal learning. In addition, it takes place in a school environment. 

Moreover, formal education is the most important part of children’s everyday lives and along with families. 

However, the purpose of formal education in society helps to pass on knowledge. Knowledge can be obtained through various methods, including technology and libraries. 

On the other hand, formal education offers you degrees and certifications that help you prove your accomplishments.

Example of Formal Education

Here are some examples of formal education. 

• Learning in a classroom.
• Grading and certification in schools, college and university degrees.
• Planned education in several subjects with a good syllabus obtained by attending the institution.

Characteristics of Formal Education

There are many characteristics of formal education; some of them are given below.

• Formal education is planned and deliberate.
• It is structured hierarchically.
• In formal education, scheduled fees are paid regularly.
• Formal education is subject-oriented and time-bound.
• This education is chronological and systematic.
• In this, students get grades based on their performance.

Importance of Formal Education

• Firstly, formal education provides you with certificates and degrees that will help verify your achievements.  
• Secondly, the main importance of this education is to impart knowledge. 
• It instilled a sense of discipline in you.
• Formal education shares more knowledge. 
• Lastly, it is an organized way of education. 

Advantages of Formal Education

The advantages of formal education are given below.

• Formal education makes the students learn things in a disciplined way.
• A student can sit with other students of the same age group. This strengthens peer relationships and mutual affection for one another.
• Many students have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time together in different classrooms. They have a greater understanding of one another.
• Formal education is organized and scheduled. 
• In this, institutions are managerially and physically organized.
• It is acquired and certified by teachers and professionals. 

Disadvantages of Formal Education

The main disadvantages of formal education are given below:

• The biggest disadvantage of formal education is that it is costly and rigid.
• In this, grades and exams probably sometimes cause anxiety and stress.
• Many times, brilliant students get bored because of the long tenure of academic sessions. 
• Sometimes you may find bad teachers who will only waste your time.
• In this, we are also looking at the unnatural way of the teaching-learning process.

You May Also Like

Importance Of Education

Informal Education

Informal education is one of the best types of education. It doesn’t follow a rigid structure and doesn’t happen on the school premises.

In addition, informal education is widely used in learning and teaching. Usually, it is done in non-formal settings, like at home or in educational settings. 

In other words, this education can be used for many things like learning about cultures, languages, and practices.

However, informal education is one of the most common ways to learn new skills. Informal education is an important part of the learning process, and it can supplement more traditional forms of learning.

Example of Informal Education

Here is some examples of informal education. 

• Someone who is studying his or her mother tongue.
• Teach the child the fundamentals, such as numeric characters.
• Spontaneous learning occurs “when a person standing at a bank learns about opening and managing a bank account from someone.”

Characteristics of Informal Education 

There are many characteristics of informal education; some of them are given below.

• Informal education is never organized. This means that there are no formulas or rules for obtaining informal education.
• In this, learners are often highly motivated to learn. 
• It is an independent form of study with no definite syllabus.
• Formal education is not pre-planned and has no timetable. 
• In this, students do not require a professional teacher. 

Importance of Informal Education

• Informal education provides avenues for collaboration between employees.
• Learning is more focused, as the learner fully drives it.
• In this, less resistance to learning. 
• It does not require prerequisite knowledge. 

Advantages of Informal Education

Informal learning has many advantages, some of which are given below:

• Firstly, there are no mental stresses of any kind on the learner’s mind.
• Secondly, it is a natural method of teaching-learning.
• The learner is self-motivated in the learning process.
• There is no dependence on rote learning in this type of education.
• In informal education, you do not have to give exams in this.

Disadvantages of Informal Education

• It instils little confidence in the learner. Despite having good knowledge, the learner may feel an inferiority complex in a company of highly educated people.
• Informal education does not follow a proper schedule or a timespan.
• In this type of education, lack of discipline. 
• What is expected to be learned in the company of peers of the same age is missing here. Classmate feelings, discipline, excellent habits, attitude, and so on may not be learned properly and correctly.
• In this, results are highly unpredictable. 

Non-Formal Education 

Non-formal education refers to organized, structured personal and social education programmes and procedures for young people that are aimed to increase a variety of skills and abilities outside of the conventional educational curriculum.

This type of education takes place in schools, universities, or other specified locations to help students acquire various types of abilities.

Example of Non-formal Education

Examples of non-formal education includes:

• Swimming sessions for toddlers
• All sports and fitness programs
• Community-based sports programs are the best exampled of the non-formal education
• Language and computer course

Characteristics of Non-formal Education

The most important characteristics of the non-formal education are given below:

• It is well-planned, and no school system is required.
• A system of active learning.
• It is a flexible educational system.
• There is no requirement for a structured course and curriculum.
• Flexibility in terms of age, time, and curriculum.
• Participation of both the public and commercial sectors in the process.

Importance of Non-formal Education

• Firstly, non-formal education helps individuals with decision-making and builds self-confidence.
• Secondly, it promotes a spectrum of skills.
• It helps many skills such as brainstorming, exercises, presentations, interactive lectures, etc.
• Lastly, non-formal education provides a platform for developing new skills and generates opportunities for people who are beyond the reach of traditional education.

Advantages of Non-formal Education

Here are some advantages of Non-formal education. 

• It provides a chance for the students to earn while learning. 
• In this, students can also become self-independent and self-dependent.
• Non-formal is the ideal method for students to spend their free time. It implies that students can study any skill in addition to formal education.
• It gives students the best opportunity of achieving their objectives.
• It also provides the finest opportunity for students to conceal their deficiencies.

Disadvantages of Non-formal Education

There are also some disadvantages of non-formal education.

• Sometimes, non-formal education wastes many students’ time.
• In this, many times, the students do not get a certificate.
• No professional and trained teachers. 
• The attendance of participants is inconsistent.
• In non-formal education, there are no regular exams. 

Similarly, all these three are types of education.

A list of Some Other Types of Education 

There are many types of education, but there are mainly three types we have explained above.

Apart from these three types, there are also some other types of education, which are given below:

• General education
• Collective education
• Direct education
• Indirect education
• Individual education
• Specific education

Difference Between Formal, Informal, & Non-Formal education 

It is important to understand the difference between formal, informal, and non-formal education for the types of education.

Parameters	Formal Education	Informal Education	Non-Formal Education
Goal	In this type of education, specific aims are well fixed in advance.	In this education, there are no pre-determined aims.	In this, it has clear cut aims and insight.
Work schedule	In this, the work schedule is fixed.	No work schedule is fixed in this type of education.	Work-schedule is fixed.
Time table	There is always a formal type of time table in vogue during the process of teaching-learning.	In this type of education, no time table is fixed.	In this, the time table is fixed.
Syllabus	In this type of education, there are always prescribed syllabuses.	There is no prescribed syllabus.	In this, there is always prescribed syllabus.
Restrictions	In this, a restricted type of freedom is given to the teacher and learners.	All freedom is given to the learners and the teachers.	No restrictions are observed.

Conclusion

There are many types of education and many ways to learn. Some people prefer to read while others prefer to watch videos. On the other hand, some children learn better when they have a teacher in front of them. In addition, some parents prefer to homeschool their children, while others prefer to send their children to a public or private school. In the end, the type of education is up to each individual. However, the most important thing is to find a type of education that works for you and your child.

Frequently Asked Questions