What is the core objective of non-formal education?

The objective of non-formal education is to ensure equal access to education, eradicate illiteracy among women and improve women's access to vocational training, science, technology and continuing education.

What is non-formal in education?

Non-formal education refers to education that occurs outside the formal school system.

What are the five features of non-formal education?

Non-formal education has no age limit. Fees or certificates may or may not be necessary. It may be full-time or part-time learning and one can earn and learn together. It involves learning professional skills.

What is the difference between formal, informal and non-formal education?

Formal education focuses on systematically imparting education by following certain rules and procedures set by authorities. On the other hand, informal education deals with natural learning without pinning down the students into a particular system. The objective of non-formal education is to develop skills in numerous creative ways while being in a systematic setting.

Non-Formal Education - Definition, Differences, Objectives

Non-formal education focuses on spreading knowledge by engaging individuals in learning activities outside the confined zones of education. It develops critical thinking and has a broader concept of learning, focusing on practical knowledge.

Today, non-formal education is shaping new ways to educate students. The exchange of knowledge is no longer confined within four walls. It is imparted outside the regular educational forum.

It involves various educational activities conducted for better and reformed growth. By teaching basic fundamental rights to head up in every situation and voice their opinions freely, students are empowered to make informed decisions.

The non-formal education comprises courses different from the institutions or any scheme allotted by government funding and is achieved from the learner's intentional effort to master any activity beyond a set of rules described as informal education.

Thus, every institution must learn about this form of education and implement it in their learning environment.

Table of Contents

What is the Non-Formal Education?
Importance of Non-Formal Education
Principles of Non-Formal Education
Objectives of Non-Formal Education
Features of Non-Formal Education in India
Books for Non-formal Education
Difference Between Formal and Non-formal Education

What is the Non-Formal Education?

Non-formal education is a structured, organized educational activity carried outside the usual framework of schools. Some of the added features of non-formal education are as follows:

It has no age restrictions.
It encompasses various learning methods.
Non-formal education offers a wide range of learning.
It promotes productive skills with substantial gains.
It involves recreational tools to multiple sub-groups in the population.
It generates national income and more adaptable employment opportunities.
It also assists in the transfer of proper educational equipment to more need-based areas.
It may cater to various learning programs like adult literacy, fundamental education for non-school-going children, life skills or culture, and diversity.

Also Read: Education System in India: Everything You Need To Know

Importance of Non-Formal Education

Non-formal education is a comprehensive approach to learning with no limitations to knowledge. Here’s why this type of education is important:

It is a fundamental approach to building confidence among individuals.
People start trusting their instincts by learning different methods in any field.
Students acquire emotional, cognitive, and other various inclusions of practices for skill development.
It provides a platform for developing new skills and generates opportunities.
Brainstorming exercises, presentations, interactive lectures, etc., help build various skills.
It creates value for the areas in which it is conducted.
It motivates others to join the workforce and enhance their skills.
It aids in an individual's learning to grow confident and responsible.
Experienced teachers with appropriate knowledge give practical loom to every learning.
Programs are interactive and practical approaches are adapted to make individuals understand various methods.
It provides each learner adequate space and time to learn skills and respect each individual associated.
It considers personal growth and even the delicate issues are handled with the utmost care with proactive approaches.
Instills gracefulness and capability to adapt to an individual's needs and profession on a personal level.

Also Read: What is Quality Education? Meaning and Importance

Principles of Non-Formal Education

Non-formal education came into action in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It can be imparted anywhere and everywhere if the following four principles of non-formal education are followed:

There should be adequate relevance to the needs of disadvantaged groups.
A valid concern with particular categories of persons
Unambiguous focus on clearly defined purposes.
Enormous flexibility in organization and method.

Also Read: Modern Education System: Purpose, Benefits, Challenges

Objectives of Non-Formal Education

The basic motive is to ensure the quality of training and resources in non-formal educational sectors. The other objectives of non-formal education are as follows:

To encourage students who never appeared in any primary school or are dropouts to enhance their learning.
To develop fundamental habits, manners, and etiquettes to manifest healthy and safe living standards.
To endorse proficiency is their expertise concerning personal goals and objectives to make themselves sufficient.
To enable them to speak, write, and read various texts in varied linguistic skills.
It also gives individuals a platform to practice their skills and showcase their talents.

Also Read: Types of Education: Formal, Informal & Non-Formal

Features of Non-Formal Education in India

Non-formal education is the complimentary aid established by the government, which focuses on developing the youth by providing various skills and tactics. Additional features of non-formal education are as mentioned below:

In India, non-formal education is a complementary system for formal education.
Non-formal education is a flexible, supple form of education.
Need-based education is promoted to instruct and guide individuals to understand any issue better.
Non-formal education does not have a set criteria; anyone from anywhere can participate and learn specific skills.
Being reasonably priced, people from rural or lightly populated areas can easily access learning and development.
It leads to the nation's development as most people are educated in some form, and students learn diverse skills besides literacy or numeracy.

Also Read: 10 Ways to Balance Student Life And Academics

Books for Non-formal Education

Non-formal education incorporates learning with different practical implementations. Some of the relevant books are mentioned below.

Book Title and Author	Book Cover
Non-formal education by P.Ramachandra Pillai
Non-formal education: Flexible Schooling or Participatory Education? by Alan Rogers
Adult and Non-formal Education by Rameshwari Pandya
Literacy and Non-formal Education by V.C. Pandey
Non-formal and Continuing Education by U.K. Singh and K.N Sudarshan
Educational Thought and Practice by V.R. Taneja

Also Read: Best Career Options for Girl in India

Difference Between Formal and Non-formal Education

Non-formal education strives for better understanding despite any guided set of assessments. Some people ordinarily master proficiency in various activities and undergo checks to evaluate themselves for their acquired skills.

Tabulated below are the five differences between formal and informal education.

Formal Education	Non-Formal Education
Formal education serves as a long-term general education.	Non-formal education is known as short-term or specific education.
Formal education offers certificates that enable one to obtain a status in society.	It provides the learning that is immediately valued.
Formal education duration is often ten years or more.	Non-formal education duration is short, ranging from 3 months to 2 years.
Formal education is future-oriented.	Non-formal education facilitates immediate learning.
Formal education takes place in educational institutions.	Non-formal education is based out of school available at a low cost.