Nonformal

Nonformal education encompasses organized learning activities outside the established frameworks of formal schooling. It's typically structured and planned, targeting specific learning objectives, skills, and competencies but remains flexible and adaptable to learners' needs and contexts. nonformal programs often prioritize practical skills, vocational training, community development, and personal enrichment. They employ diverse teaching methods, including workshops, seminars, online courses, and peer-to-peer learning, often catering to adults, out-of-school youth, or underserved populations, offering a pathway to skill development and personal growth outside the confines of traditional education systems. It is often considered more adaptive and learner-centric than formal education, allowing for immediate application of learned material and providing quick access to the skills that a learner needs.

Nonformal meaning with examples

• A local community center offered nonformal workshops on digital literacy, teaching seniors how to use computers and access online resources, boosting their social connections and life skills. These workshops were carefully crafted to deliver specific digital skills within a flexible schedule, different to a set school schedule.
• To prepare for a career change, a professional enrolled in a nonformal online course on data analytics, acquiring the necessary technical skills and knowledge to switch fields and pursue a new job. This allowed for rapid skill acquisition compared to a formal degree.
• A youth organization implemented a nonformal program providing vocational training in carpentry and plumbing, helping disadvantaged youth gain employable skills and improve their future prospects by skipping traditional schooling.
• A museum hosted nonformal educational programs, including interactive exhibits and guided tours, to teach children about history and science in a fun and engaging way with informal methods of teaching.
• A government agency launched a series of nonformal training sessions to upskill and reskill employees, enhancing their existing job-related competencies and enabling them to meet evolving industry demands and challenges.