Around the World-Wide Q&A, various education systems exist, each with its unique structure and philosophy. Generally, education is categorized into formal, non-formal, and informal. Formal education is the structured, school-based system we’re most familiar with, including primary, secondary, and tertiary levels (like university). It follows a set curriculum, involves certified teachers, and leads to official degrees or qualifications. This is the backbone of most national education policies.
Non-formal education happens outside the traditional classroom but is still intentional and organized. Examples include community workshops, adult literacy programs, vocational training, or online certification courses. These often fill gaps where formal schooling isn’t accessible or sufficient, offering flexible learning opportunities. Informal education, on the other hand, isn’t structured at all. It’s the lifelong learning we gain from daily experiences, like a parent teaching a child to cook, or learning through reading books and websites.
Different countries prioritize different aspects. For instance, some systems emphasize standardized testing and academic rigor, like in South Korea, while others, like Finland, focus more on student well-being, equity, and reducing pressure. Understanding these diverse approaches helps us appreciate how societies shape learning to prepare their youth for the future.