In this two-part series, we will be discussing the tenets of formal and informal education, starting with informal education.

Informal vs Formal Education
Informal education is a free and natural system of learning that does not happen within the four walls of a school. It is derived from lived experiences. People learn informally from their life experiences. They can gather knowledge from friends, family, and their environment. It never stops. The difference between formal and informal education is that informal education does not have the structure and levels that formal education has. Informal education is structured from Kindergarten to university. Classes are timed and structured. In informal education, there is no timing, guideline/curriculum, and structure for gathering the knowledge. It is spontaneous and coincidental! For example, if a child watches an older sibling clean the house, they can pick up the skill required, and very soon, the younger child can assist the elder one. That is informal learning.

Is informal education as important as formal education?
No. Formal education is of utmost importance to the well-being of every individual. However, informal education cannot be dismissed so easily. They say life is the best teacher, and this is what you encounter with informal education. Learning to survive, drive, and cook. These are essential life skills that you will never acquire within a school. However, some of these skills are important down the line.

Benefits of informal education
You don’t need to learn from a teacher or someone who is an expert in a particular field. Informal knowledge can be passed on from anyone, in any way, and with no one forcing you to learn, it is not as burdensome as formal education. There is zero to litle pressure. It is also free and can be done at any convenient pace.

In conclusion
Informal learning is helpful to those who are open and willing to learn. It is a spontaneous mode of learning. While it may not be considered valid learning by some, those detractors will admit that there are some things you can learn better through real-life experiences and not by sitting down to study it in a classroom.