Characteristics of

Non-Formal Education

Characteristics of NFE:

• It takes place outside the school organization or school system.

• It focuses on imparting vocational training to the student and is generally linked to vocational and functional literacy. i.e. each one teach one.

• It is an open-ended process of education with lots of discussions, sharing, exploring, analyzing, judging, etc.

• It is well planned.

• There may or may not be a definite course or curriculum.

• Time to complete might be flexible.

• Curriculum also might be flexible.

• Agencies such as the government, management, etc. are involved.

• There is mental strain on teacher and taught but not to the extent found in formal education.

• There is no age limit or barrier to undergo non-formal education.

• Exams may or may not be conducted at the end.

• Certificates, awards, may or may not be awarded at the end of the learning.

• Fees may not always be paid.

• It is a voluntary mode of education. The student has the choice to take up what interests him.

• Unfortunately, it does not get as much respect and recognition as compared to formal education.

• Sometimes difficult to get jobs.

• Work experience is given weight age.

• Education is decentralized.

• Courses may be full-time or part-time.

• Earn and learn is allowed.

• It is more practical and useful for day to day life than the theory based formal education.

• Teacher and taught share a relationship of same level.

• Emphasis is on self-learning.

• Professional improvement is specific to that skill or vocation being taught.

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