CHARACTERISTIC OF NON-FORMAL EDUCATION

Non-formal education must be distinguished from formal and informal education and differs from them. J.P. Naik was the father of non-formal education.

1. It takes place outside the school organization or school system.
2. It focuses on imparting vocational training to the student and is generally linked to vocational and functional literacy. i.e. each one teach one.
3. It is an open-ended process of education with lots of discussions, sharing, exploring, analyzing, judging, etc.
4. It is well planned.
5. There may or may not be a definite course or curriculum.
6. Time to complete might be flexible.
7. Curriculum also might be flexible.
8. Agencies such as the government, management, etc. are involved.
9. There is mental strain on teacher and taught but not to the extent found in formal education.
10. There is no age limit or barrier to undergo non-formal education.
11. Exams may or may not be conducted at the end.
12. Certificates, awards, may or may not be awarded at the end of the learning.
13. Fees may not always be paid.
14. It is a voluntary mode of education. The student has the choice to take up what interests him.
15. Unfortunately, it does not get as much respect and recognition as compared to formal education.
16. Sometimes difficult to get jobs.
17. Work experience is given weight age.
18. Education is decentralized.
19. Courses may be full-time or part-time.
20. Earn and learn is allowed.
21. It is more practical and useful for day to day life than the theory based formal education.
22. Teacher and taught share a relationship of same level.
23. Emphasis is on self-learning.
24. Professional improvement is specific to that skill or vocation being taught.