COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Title: Non-Formal Education
Course Description
This course explores the concept, theory, and practice of non-formal education (NFE). It
examines the role of NFE in various contexts, its impact on lifelong learning, and the differences
between formal, non-formal, and informal education. The course will also address the
development, implementation, and evaluation of NFE programs.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand the key concepts and theoretical foundations of non-formal education.
2. Differentiate between formal, non-formal, and informal education.
3. Analyze the role and impact of NFE in different cultural and social contexts.
4. Design, implement, and evaluate non-formal education programs.
5. Critically assess case studies of NFE initiatives from around the world.
Weekly Topics and Readings
Week 1: Introduction to Non-Formal Education
Topics: Definitions, historical context, significance.
Readings: Coombs, P. H. & Ahmed, M. (1974). Attacking Rural Poverty: How Non-
Formal Education Can Help. Baltimore: John Hopkins University Press.
Week 2: Theoretical Foundations of Non-Formal Education
Topics: Key theories and frameworks.
Readings: Rogers, A. (2004). Non-Formal Education: Flexible Schooling or
Participatory Education? Hong Kong: Springer.
Week 3: Non-Formal vs. Formal and Informal Education
Topics: Comparative analysis, overlaps, and distinctions.
Readings: Smith, M. K. (1996, 2006). ‘Theories of learning and informal education’. In
The Encyclopedia of Informal Education.
Week 4: Lifelong Learning and Non-Formal Education
Topics: Concepts of lifelong learning, the role of NFE.
Readings: Aspin, D. N., Chapman, J. D., Hatton, M., & Sawano, Y. (2012). International
Handbook of Lifelong Learning. Springer.
Week 5: Designing Non-Formal Education Programs
Topics: Needs assessment, program planning, curriculum design.
Readings: Caffarella, R. S. (2002). Planning Programs for Adult Learners: A Practical
Guide. Jossey-Bass.
Week 6: Implementation of Non-Formal Education Programs
Topics: Facilitation techniques, learner engagement, resource management.
Readings: Brookfield, S. D. (2013). Powerful Techniques for Teaching Adults. Jossey-
Bass.
Week 7: Evaluation of Non-Formal Education Programs
Topics: Methods and tools for assessment and evaluation.
Readings: Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. D. (2006). Evaluating Training Programs:
The Four Levels. Berrett-Koehler.
Week 8: Non-Formal Education in Different Cultural Contexts
Topics: Case studies from different regions, cultural adaptations.
Readings: Farrell, J. P., & Hartwell, A. (2008). Planning for Successful Alternative
Schooling: A Possible Route to Education for All. UNESCO.
Week 9: Non-Formal Education and Social Change
Topics: Role in community development, empowerment, social justice.
Readings: Mayo, P. (1999). Gramsci, Freire and Adult Education: Possibilities for
Transformative Action. Zed Books.
Week 10: Technology and Non-Formal Education
Topics: Digital tools, online platforms, and innovations.
Readings: Selwyn, N. (2011). Education and Technology: Key Issues and Debates.
Bloomsbury Academic.
Week 11: Challenges and Future of Non-Formal Education
Topics: Barriers, opportunities, policy implications.
Readings: European Commission (2012). Rethinking Education: Investing in Skills for
Better Socio-Economic Outcomes. Brussels.
Week 12: Student Presentations and Course Review
Topics: Presentations of student projects, summary of key learnings.
Readings: No assigned readings. Prepare for presentations.
Assignments and Grading
a. Active involvement in discussions and activities.
b. Short papers reflecting on weekly readings and discussions.
c. Design a non-formal education program (proposal format).
d. Analysis of a selected NFE initiative.
e. Implement and evaluate a mini NFE program; presentation of findings.
Recommended Resources
Websites:
o UNESCO: Non-Formal Education
o The World Bank: Education for Development
Journals:
o International Journal of Lifelong Education
o Adult Education Quarterly
