What Are the Different Types of Education?

Introduction

Do you think education starts when you’re in the confines of a classroom? Absolutely not! Education begins from the inception of human life. 

Every little thing you gradually learn and incorporate into your everyday life is part of your education. You can not only derive education from your school teachers but also from parents, friends, and other people around you. 

If you’re willing to learn, even nature can educate you. However, such a wide spectrum of education can be categorised into three subdivisions. 

Let us find out more about the different types of education with the help of this blog!

JBM Global, one of the top schools in Noida, believes that education is a birthright for every child regardless of caste, creed, and gender. This prestigious institution does not discriminate between the students and focuses equal attention on each of them so that they can achieve immense success in life.

What Are The 3 Types Of Education?

1: Formal Education

Among the 3 types of education, let us talk about the most common one which is formal education. The most conventional mode of learning falls under formal education. 

It is the kind where you learn within the four walls of a classroom. Formal education begins from montessori schools and continues till you reach the universities. 

You have to clear every level of this type of education with an exam and be rewarded with multiple academic degrees throughout. 

Extremely qualified individuals with the designations of teachers and professors are hired to provide formal education to individuals from different age groups.

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What are its characteristics?

• Formal education has different hierarchical levels with increasing difficulty as one moves upward
• It is extensively planned to be appropriate for every age group
• It follows a fixed system 
• A certain amount of fees is paid to the institution that offers formal education
• Every level of formal education has a fixed syllabus which needs to be covered within the stipulated time
• Formal education is offered by an institution with the help of teachers and professors

6 Advantages of Formal Education

1. This type of education is extremely organised and is always kept up-to-date with changing times.
2. There is no overdose of knowledge, instead, it is equally distributed into systematic levels.
3. Highly qualified professionals are hired to impart formal education.
4. Compulsory evaluations and assessments are made to ensure an individual is ready for the next level.
5. Individuals are awarded with a widely recognised academic degree.
6. Employment can be achieved more easily if you have had a formal education.

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Disadvantages of Formal Education

1. Since the levels of formal education are determined based on age, an individual with a higher mental age and capability may not fit in with others.
2. The pressure and stress of exams at the end of every academic level may burden the students.
3. Good students can be influenced by bad students in a formal classroom environment.
4. Since formal education spans several years, it causes a huge strain on your pocket.
5. Moreover, this money is wasted on students who fail to learn despite being motivated and attended to.

Examples of Formal Education

1. Gathering knowledge within the four walls of a classroom.
2. Attending college or university.
3. Enrolling in an institution for a specific course.

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2: Informal Education

The next among the three types of education is informal education. As the name suggests, you do not require a classroom setting to receive informal education. It can take place in any environment and under any circumstances. 

The mere activity of learning to ride a bicycle or painting a butterfly falls under informal education. It is the knowledge and skills an individual gathers and learns with the help of personal experiences. 

Parents, friends, and even books and movies can offer you informal education.

What are its characteristics?

• Informal education is not confined to any walls
• It has no fixed curriculum which needs to be completed within a time frame
• It cannot be preplanned but can take place at any time and anywhere
• Informal education does not cost money because it is gathered through experience and practice
• Informal education continues throughout your life even when after the completion of your formal education
• You do not get academic recognition or a certificate for informal education
• Informal education can be received from elders, peers, movies, books, nature, and situations you encounter

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6 Advantages of Informal Education

1. It is a natural process of learning that can occur through daily experiences and practice.
2. It poses no pressure on the individuals because it occurs due to personal interests or hobbies.
3. Informal education has no specific period and can continue for an indefinite period.
4. It does not follow a strict technique of educating individuals.
5. It does not cost much money.
6. No skilled professionals need to be hired for informal education.

4 Disadvantages of Informal Education

1. Informal education may not always provide you with accurate information.
2. There is no specific schedule for acquiring informal education.
3. Not having a strict routine leads to poor discipline.
4. Since there are no assessments, the results of informal education are mostly unreliable.

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Examples of Informal Education

1. A parent teaching their child the English alphabet or numbers
2. A child gradually learning their mother tongue
3. Learning from daily experiences

3: Non-Formal Education

One of the most important types of education is non-formal education which promotes literacy in adults. 

It aims to equip adults with the skills and knowledge they may need to apply for a job or perform basic activities in their daily lives. 

Non-formal education consists of systematic courses that have a specific syllabus so that you can learn a fair amount of skills within a specific period. 

What are its characteristics?

• Even though it is extensively planned, it is not a part of the school curriculum and, hence, does not fall under formal education
• The syllabus and techniques of the courses can be regulated and adjusted
• Non-formal education is not limited by age
• While formal education is theoretical, non-formal education is more practical
• Some non-formal educational courses may provide certificates while others may not
• Most courses are free, but some may require money
• You can have a flexible schedule for learning

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6 Advantages of Non-Formal Education

1. It is a very practical form of education.
2. It is available for every age group.
3. You can maintain a flexible schedule yet learn effectively.
4. The stress of exams is usually absent.
5. Available both in the public and private sectors.
6. No certification is required because it is usually acquired to develop skills.

5 Disadvantages of Non-Formal Education

1. Since the curriculum is so flexible, there is very irregular attendance.
2. Without the healthy pressure of exams, candidates may not feel the urge to learn efficiently.
3. Candidates must be equipped with the basic skills of reading and writing.
4. The individuals imparting non-formal education are not professionally trained.
5. There can be several fraudulent institutions that offer non-formal education with the fake promise of a certificate and extort money in return.

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Examples of Non-Formal Education

1. Courses like swimming fall under non-formal education
2. Body fitness training and programs
3. Free educational courses for adults

Conclusion

Education is a wide spectrum that offers different modes of learning. The 3 different types of education are formal, informal, and non-formal. 

While each of them has its share of advantages and disadvantages, there is no doubt that all of them contribute to your learning processes and educate you to become an able and responsible citizen of the country.

JBM Global, one of the Best Schools in Noida Expressway, offers a safe, supportive, and formal learning environment for students so that they can receive high-quality education. Every teacher in this prestigious school is committed to helping students achieve their dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the 3 types of education?

Ans: The 3 types of education are formal, informal, and non-formal education. They are each different in essence but similar in their purpose of educating an individual.

Q2: How do formal and informal education differ?

Ans: Formal education differs immensely from informal education in its physical setting among many. While formal education is acquired in a classroom, informal education can be acquired at any time and anywhere. Moreover, formal education exercises a systematic way of imparting knowledge to the students. However, informal education follows no technique and can provide knowledge and skills through daily activities and experiences.