Education can have a huge influence on your life. It is often said that people really liked a certain couple of subjects but they grew to hate them because of their teachers. In formal education, teachers tend to be of all kinds. These teachers can be really good at doing their jobs, but also really bad at human interaction, leaving children or young adults with a dislike for anything having to do with their subjects.

In comes non-formal education, a way of learning which offers a solution.

Non-Formal Education – A Definition

Learning how to read is important, as well as other things necessary to live in this world, without running into trouble for doing something which you should not, like indecent exposure.

Non-formal education allows children and people to be taught outside of schools. They learn in an environment tailored to their needs and level of education. Homeschooling is a great example of non-formal education. Learning from tutors is also a great example of non-formal education. Attending online video conferences and learning from online courses would be another example, especially certified courses. Non-formal education is systematic and organized, with a curriculum and a clear goal. It does take place outside of schools.

The Benefits of Non-Formal Education

Remember that talk of bad teachers who ruin subjects for your children? Yes, these kinds of teachers are real but you can easily avoid them by homeschooling your child or by taking them to specific tutors.

People are expected to learn by themselves once provided with enough information. Likewise, the school system is often stagnant and change takes a long while. Private tutors can adapt on the go, as soon as they are provided with the opportunity.

Examinations are unnecessary in this type of system. Online learning is also amazing, allowing students to learn from their homes, without going to a teacher, physically, or requiring a teacher to come to them.

The Other Side of Non-Formal Education

Just like with informal education, non-formal education has its own flaws. Some tutors might not be the best ones. The quality of a tutor is not measured by them having a private school. Some tutors are just as bad. The lack of examinations makes it so that you cannot really have a diploma or any sort of degree, making the whole journey pointless, unless you retain the knowledge and put it to good use. It can be an unsteady form of education, due to the varying number of participants.

Is Non-Formal Education the Best Way?

Non-formal education has its benefits, and its disadvantages, like any other type. You could teach your children of friends in a non-formal way, as well as sign up for online courses, should you wish to learn something new. Committing to it fully requires a good plan and schedule, especially with children who need to learn the basics, and more.

Each type of education can suit someone’s needs, at a particular time. To be the judge which time is right for which type of education requires courage and knowledge. Tread carefully.