Informal and formal education

Education includes different kinds of learning experiences. In its broadest sense, we consider education to be the ways in which people learn skills, gain knowledge and understanding about the world and about themselves. One useful scheme for discussing education is to divide these ways of learning into two types: informal and formal.

Informal education involves people in learning during their daily life. For example, children learn their language simply by hearing, and by trying to speak themselves. In the same informal manner, they learn to dress themselves, to eat with good manners, to ride a bicycle, or to make a telephone call. Education is also informal when people try to get information or to learn skills on their own initiative without a teacher. To do so, they may visit a book shop, library or museum. They may watch a television show, see a videotape, or listen to a radio programme. They do not have to pass tests or exams.

We consider formal education to be the instruction given at different kinds of schools, colleges, universities. In most countries, people enter a system of formal education during their early childhood. In this type of education, the people, who are in charge of education, decide what to teach. Then learners study those things with the teachers at the head. Теachers expect learners to come to school regularly and on time, to Work at about the same speed as their classmates, and to pass tests and exams. Learners have to pass the exams to show how well they have progressed in their learning. At the end of their learning, learners may earn a diploma, a certificate, or a degree as a mark of their success over the years.

The school systems of all modern nations provide both general and vocational education. Most countries also offer special education programmes for gifted or for physically or mentally handicapped children. Adult education programmes are provided for people who wish to take up their education after leaving school. Most countries spend a large amount of time and money for formal education of their citizens.

EXERCISE 11. Read and give a summary of the text.