Differences between Formal and Informal Education
(1) Scope
Formal Education:- Limited and narrow
Informal Education:- Unlimited and Vast
(2) Age
Formal Education:- It starts and ends in a prescribed age
Informal Education:- No age limit for this education
(3) Aim
Formal Education:- It has a definite aim of getting knowledge and certificate
Informal Education:- It has no definite aim
(4) Place
Formal Education:- Education is provided in an Institution
Informal Education:- No definite place for such education
(5) Planning
Formal Education:- It is pre-planned and well organized
Informal Education:- It is not planned and systematically organized education
(6) Course
Formal Education:- It has a definite course to be covered in a definite period
Informal Education:- No definite course to be finished in the given period
(7) Lessons
Formal Education:- Education is imparted through formal lessons
Informal Education:- No formal lessons to be followed in imparting education
(8) Strain
Formal Education:- There is a lot of mental strain in learning
Informal Education:- No strain involved in learning
(9) Awareness
Formal Education:- Teacher and taught are aware of the process through which education is imparted
Informal Education:- There is no awareness or consciousness
(10) Organization
Formal Education:- It is organized by government or non-government
Informal Education:- There is no such organization
(11) Curriculum
Formal Education:- Fixed timetable and curriculum are followed
Informal Education:- No fixed timetable and curriculum to be adopted
(12) Teaching Method
Formal Education:- Teaching is done face-to-face between educator and pupil and a number of methods are followed
Informal Education:- There is also face-to-face contact but teaching methods are not followed
(13) Evaluation
Formal Education:- Work of the student is evaluated from time-to-time as steps are taken (if necessary) for further improvement
Informal Education:- Not possible to evaluate the performance of the pupil
(14) Teacher
Formal Education:- Qualified and trained teachers are required to impart education
Informal Education:- Education can be received from any person. No training or experience is needed
(15) Rules
Formal Education:- Strict rules and regulations are followed in the educational process
Informal Education:- There is no rules and regulations to be in force
(16) Degree
Formal Education:- It provides certificates or degrees after evaluating the performance of the child
Informal Education:- No certificate or diploma or degree awarded
(17) Discipline
Formal Education:- Students are expected to under go strict discipline
Informal Education:- No discipline. Learners are forced to learn without any hindrance
(18) Learning period
Formal Education:- Period of learning at school or college is fixed
Informal Education:- It is a life-long process which has no end or beginning and integrated with human life
(19) Nature of Education
Formal Education:- This kind of education is unnatural
Informal Education:- This kind of education is natural
(20) Source of Education
Formal Education:- The child gains education through curricular activities and subjects
Informal Education:- The child gains education through experiences
