To illustrate his claim that schools generally do a remarkably good job of schooling while the society makes inadequate use of other means to educate young people, the author presents a case history of a young American (identified pseudonymously as "Brad") whose schooling was adequate but whose education was not. Brad, jobless and…

A model was developed for evaluating formal and informal learning by older adults in a variety of contexts. The model, which adopts a longitudinal approach, focuses on the outcomes of provision and is based on the assumption that outcomes should be evaluated in light of the processes (accessibility and responsiveness of provision, appropriateness…

Discusses the benefits of an enlarged view of learning that emphasizes the abilities of the individual learner and the role of the teacher as partner in a joint educational process and includes informal acquisition of skills on-the-job. Argues that much is to be learned from popular educational movements in Latin America. (KS)

Case studies and seminar reports are provided that were presented at an international seminar to examine field experiences in using a culture-based approach to nonformal education. Part I, containing an introductory paper and nine case studies, focuses on indigenous institutions and processes in health, family planning, agriculture, basic…

Nonformal education is any organized, systematic learning activity carried on outside the formal educational system and usually focused on improving participants' social and personal living, occupational capability, or vocational competency. Because it offers opportunity and participation to all in a non-threatening atmosphere and promotes rapid…

This monograph discusses the role of nonformal education in increasing peoples' powers of self-determination within underdeveloped countries. Chapters I and II review the causes of underdevelopment, ways in which the third world depends upon developed countries, strategies for overcoming dependency, and the role of individuals in promoting their…

Designed to show that highly participatory, engaging, entertaining, and locally understandable communication forms can be used not only to liberate but also to domesticate, this paper presents case studies of several nonformal education projects in Botswana that attempted to follow the approach of Paulo Freire by using popular theatre to encourage…

Indigenous knowledge is a critical factor for sustainable development. Empowerment of local communities is a prerequisite for the integration of indigenous knowledge in the development process. The integration of appropriate indigenous knowledge systems into development programs has already contributed to efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainable…

The marked decline in international interest in promoting adult literacy that has occurred over the last decade has had serious consequences for literacy education in third world countries. In general, planning and implementation of literacy instruction in these areas has neither improved nor adapted itself to changing circumstances. While the…

Education for rural areas must go far beyond the concept of formal schooling; it must become a system of learning arrangements in which the learner, in response to his environment, is the chief agent of his learning. There is no single model or educational approach; programs must be adapted to the varying circumstance or situations. When providing…

Theodore Roosevelt's education is used as a case-study to illustrate how educators' informal messages influence students to stay in their social class. These messages can be transmitted either consciously or unconsciously, through tone of voice, body movement, facial expression, and unspoken expectations or assumptions. As the first social…

This document profiles 10 successful experiences in nonformal education (NFE) programs across Africa. Common features of the programs profiled are as follows: (1) provide educational opportunities for those who have missed out on formal education; (2) show evidence of learners' acquisition of competencies for work and survival; (3) demonstrate…