What is non-formal education and why does it matter?

We at dothegap believe in non-formal education and experiential learning. But do you understand what's going on? Are you aware of its significance? We'll offer you a brief overview of non-formal education in this piece, as well as the advantages of activities like exchanges. Continue reading!

Formal, informal, and non-formal education have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

When consolidated educational institutions faced an economic crisis in the 1960s, they were questioned about their lack of ability to adapt to a new society, the term "non formal education" was coined and recognized on a global scale.

• Within the educational system, formal education has a hierarchical framework that is organized in chronological order. It begins in primary school and continues through university. In addition, it comprises technical and professional education programs or courses.
• Informal education is the process by which each person develops attitudes, values, skills, and knowledge. These are acquired from daily experiences as well as influences or resources available in your environment, whether from family and friends or the media.
• All organized education activities that take place outside of the formally established system are referred to as non-formal education. It can function independently or as part of a broader activity, depending on the participants or learning objectives.

Non-formal education: Characteristics and Importance

Non-formal education does not replace formal education, which is critical to a person's development; but, it can supplement it by filling needs or addressing issues that the regulated institution does not.

UNESCO, for example, emphasizes the flexibility of nonformal education and how it enables more individualized learning for each individual. This would actually be the best model for them.

How adaptable is it? Non-formal education is available to people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. Furthermore, it is a very optional style of education with a variety of teaching methods, and its end goal is pure learning rather than a degree.

For Jimmy Wales, for example, this concept is crucial. Wikipedia's founder is one of the most outspoken proponents of nonformal and informal education. He advocates for lifelong learning that is both voluntary and experiential in order to produce better citizens.

We can gain a better understanding of the world around us through nonformal and informal education, which has a significant advantage thanks to modern technology. Above all, because we have our own drive to learn, everything we learn will stay in our heads.

However, the following are some of the advantages of non-formal education:

• On a personal level, as well as in society, it aids in growth and maturation. In many cases, collaboration or coexistence can be beneficial.
• Individuals' self-esteem is boosted when their skills are developed.
• A healthy critical attitude toward your surroundings, social norms, and power mechanisms develops when you have the ability to learn and discover on your own.
• Boosts job placement chances and supports self-employment.

Wouldn't you agree that nonformal education and its experiential learning opportunities are very important now that you have a better understanding of it?

At dothegap, we encourage you to use exchanges to conduct non-formal education and provide an enriching experience for your students or members on many levels.

In addition to the act itself, participants are compelled to confront new scenarios as a result of the exchange, which might focus on anything from music to sport, style, or gastronomy.

With this in mind, we at dothegap believe in cross-cultural contacts that go beyond language acquisition. And a national exchange is just as valuable as one conducted overseas. What is the explanation for this? Because you not only learn about the place and the people you meet during the activity, but you also gain new tools to aid you in your daily routine or form valuable social contacts.

After an exchange, you'll have all of these components of learning, as well as all of the skills and knowledge you've gained, with you for the rest of your life. So, if you're interested or have any questions, please contact us. We'll be delighted to help you!