The Importance of Non-formal Education and Learning
Education is a life-long process. It’s multifaceted and complex, looking to build upon many aspects of someone’s personality to create a well-rounded individual. It’s true that formal education provides us with skills outside of core subjects, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. However, it typically doesn’t hit every objective. And even if these skills are targeted, they may not be explored in-depth. This is where non-formal learning shines. So, before we explore the benefits – and potential downsides – of non-formal learning, let’s go over its definition.
What is non-formal education?
When discussing education, there are three strains that are usually considered: formal, informal, and non-formal.
Formal education
Formal education is a structured and systematic way of learning, delivered by trained teachers. This term is the umbrella that covers primary, secondary, and tertiary education, ultimately culminating with a recognised certification, degree, diploma, or qualification.
Informal learning
Not to be confused with non-formal learning, informal learning occurs without external support. It can happen in a professional context, amongst family and friends, or during leisurely activities. Informal learning is a lifelong experience whereby attitudes, values, and skills are picked up consistently in daily life.
Non-formal education
Non-formal education is any type of structured learning which is intentionally planned by an educational provider. However, it does not lead to formal qualifications recognised by educational bodies. Despite this, a range of skills are developed through purposeful education and training, using avenues such as volunteering, civil service, community-based programs, and more, to promote recurrent, life-long skills.
The benefits of non-formal education
Everyone is entitled to education. It should be prioritised alongside food, water, shelter, and healthcare. When given access to education, young people are provided with more opportunities later in life, allowing further freedom and empowerment to pursue their passions.
It provides more opportunities
Learning allows improvement, and everyone deserves the chance to build upon themselves throughout their life. This includes all types of education. Unfortunately, some young people – particularly those who are underprivileged – experience education not as a right, but as a privilege. Non-formal education aims to combat this. Through this form of education, more opportunities are provided, building upon young people’s situations to instil them with valuable skills.
Personal skills are developed
Building upon this, young people who take on non-formal education experience significant personal growth. If someone is invested in their learning, they are more likely to gain the most from it. Also, due to community-based activities, young people develop their awareness within society. This contributes to the strengthening of decision-making skills and self-confidence, too. Such skills are extremely useful in the professional world, demonstrating the importance non-formal education can have when it comes to job opportunities.
It’s adaptive and participative
Non-formal education is extremely malleable. It can be adapted to the needs of its participants and the society from which it’s delivered. Regardless of someone’s stage of development, non-formal learning activities are versatile and can lean into the strengths of those who are involved. Unlike formal education, which can be rigid and regulated, non-formal education is much more flexible and inclusive. Also, teamwork and collaboration is strongly encouraged, promoting social skills and personal expression.
The drawbacks of non-formal education
Like with most things, there are two sides of the coin. While non-formal education clearly holds many benefits, the nuanced nature of learning means that there are some pitfalls to be aware of.
A lack of trained professionals
While there are many inspiring, effective educators who hold no formal qualifications, it’s hard to determine the impact without proper regulation. Non-formal education is a great way to impart and build upon hobbies, but if an untrained instructor is inadvertently delivering sub-standard advice without being corrected, poor habits may be solidified.
It’s challenging to evaluate the development
Formal education offers regular checkpoints to assess learning, either through examinations or daily evaluations. In non-formal education, there is less of a chance for thoroughly reviewed, established points of assessment to monitor skill development. While many soft skills are passively nurtured, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, discernible objectives may fall by the wayside.
Gaps in knowledge are unlikely to be accounted for
In order to fully grasp a concept or skill, a solid foundation of knowledge needs to have already been established. There are some things that we don’t like to learn, yet they are crucial when trying to comprehend more complicated subjects in the future. By the nature of non-formal education, it’s typically difficult to account for gaps in a young person’s learning. Essentially, if there are a few rusty nails in the scaffolding, it’s more likely that the entire structure will come crashing down.
Why use the non-formal education approach?
When viewing this from the perspective of the youth work sector, the application of non-formal education is a proven way of assisting young people in overcoming potential learning barriers. This could be as a result of their surroundings, learning style, or economic status. Such an approach helps people become active contributors to the evolution and development of their communities.
For example, in Greece, ARSIS Social Organisation: for the Support of Youth created a project that required young educators to design and launch mobile workshops for groups of young people in their community. It raised awareness about how certain young people were being excluded from access to fundamental social rights. Centred around youth rights, discrimination, and exclusion from healthcare, work, and education, this is an impressive example of how non-formal education, integrated with youth work, can bring about meaningful change.
Education is nuanced
Education has many strands. Each strand has quantifiable benefits, while naturally possessing some drawbacks. Non-formal education is no exception. While it’s difficult to determine the effectiveness of untrained instructors, assessment can be challenging, and gaps in knowledge may not be accounted for, there are still many advantages.
Young people are assisted in their personal growth and maturity, alongside their contribution to society. A healthy sense of self-esteem is fostered, and autonomous learning is encouraged. Crucial skills are developed, leading to more job opportunities in the future. Ultimately, non-formal education equips young people with the appropriate tools to take on future challenges, crafting them into well-rounded, confident individuals.