What Are the Merits and Demerits of Education and Its Implementation

In today’s world, education plays a vital role in shaping individuals and societies. It helps people to gain knowledge, develop skills and build a better future. But like any other system, the education system has its own merits and demerits. 

While it opens up many opportunities, it also faces challenges in its implementation that affect the students, teachers and institutions. 

In this article, we will discuss the various merits and demerist of education and how its implementation impacts overall learning and development.

Types of Education and Their Purpose

The primary purpose or goal of education is to help students improve their emotional, cognitive and physical skills. There are no rules or limitations placed on education. Education systems can be roughly divided into three types:

1. Formal Education
2. Informal Education
3. Non-formal Education

What is Formal Education? A Brief Introduction

Formal education means learning in schools, colleges or universities. It follows a proper plan or timetable. Here, teachers teach students in classrooms. Also, students take exams after which, if they pass, they get certificates or degrees. Formal education is well-organised and has fixed subjects to study. 

Merits of Formal Education

There are many advantages of Formal Education. Some of them are as follows: 

1. Structured Intrstuctional Framework: Formal education follows a well-planned syllabus and schedule. The lessons taught here are organized step-by-step, making it easier for students to learn from basic to advanced. The study materials are regularly updated to match current knowledge and industry needs. 
2. Students are taught by trained and experienced teachers: In formal education, teachers are trained and certified, and only they can teach students. These teachers have the proper knowledge, skills, and experience to teach their dedicated subjects effectively and help students understand the topics better.
3. Students have to take tests and exams at different stages to move to the next level: In formal education, students have to take exams or tests at different stages to move on to the next level. This helps the teachers to check students’ understanding and allow them to progress to the next level after passing. 
4. Schools and colleges are well-organized with proper rules and management: In formal education, schools, colleges, and universities are well-organized with appropriate management, regulations, and departments. This structure ensures smooth functioning and maintains discipline among students and staff. 
5. Jobs are accessible: Formal education helps students to gain the skills and qualifications needed for a job. Many employers require formal degrees or certificates when hiring. With formal education, students find it easier to find employment.

Demerits of Formal Education

The disadvantages of formal Education are as follows: 

1. High Cost: Formal education can be expensive because of fees, books, uniforms, transportation, and other expenses.
2. Fixed Curriculum: Students have to follow a set syllabus, even if some parts are not helpful or interesting to them.
3. Less Flexibility: There is a fixed schedule and time for classes, which may not suit every student’s needs or pace of learning.
4. Exam Pressure: Students often feel stressed because they have to score well in exams to pass and move ahead.
5. One-Size-Fits-All Approach: All students are taught in the same way, even though each student may have different learning abilities and interests.

Also Read: Online Classes vs Offline Classes: Which is the Future of Education?

What is Informal Education? A Brief Introduction

Informal education is the type of education or learning that happens naturally in daily life, outside of schools or classrooms. It doesn’t follow any fixed timetable, syllabus, or exams. People learn through experience, conversations, reading books, watching videos, traveling, or even through their hobbies. There are no teachers or formal lessons, but learning still happens all the time. 

Merits of Informal Education

The advantages of Informal Education are as follow:

1. Flexible Learning: There is no fixed schedule so people can learn anytime and anywhere, based on their interests and convenience.
2. Cost-Effective: Informal education is usually free. People can learn from their surroundings, experiences, and free resources like books, videos, or conversations.
3. Practical Knowledge: It often teaches valuable life skills, like cooking, managing money, or communication, which are helpful in daily life.
4. Encourages Self-Learning: People learn on their own, which builds confidence, curiosity, and the habit of learning new things.
5. Stress-Free: There are no exams, grades, or pressure. People learn at their own pace without fear of failure.

Demerits of Informal Education

The Disadvantages of Informal Education are as follows:

1. No Proper Structure: There is no fixed plan, syllabus, or method, which can make learning incomplete or unorganized.
2. Lack of Certified Teachers: People usually learn from others who may not be trained or experts, which can lead to wrong or incomplete knowledge.
3. No Certificates or Degrees: Informal education does not give any official certificates, which are often required for jobs or higher studies.
4. Limited Recognition: Since there is no proof of learning, skills gained informally may not be accepted by employers or institutions.
5. Quality May Vary: The quality of learning depends on who is teaching and what resources are used, which may not always be reliable.

What is Non-formal Education? A Brief Introduction

The last and only Non-formal education. It is a planned learning that happens outside regular school or colleges. It is organized but more flexible than formal education. Non-formal education can happen in coaching classes, skill development programs, workshops, or even in online courses. It is often meant for specific groups of people who want to learn certain skills or knowledge without following strict rules like in formal education. 

Merits of Non-formal Education

The following are the advantages of Non-formal education:

1. Flexible Schedule: Learners can choose when and where to study, making it easy for working people or those with other responsibilities.
2. Practical and Skill-Based: Non-formal education often focuses on teaching specific skills that are useful in real life or for jobs.
3. Affordable: Many non-formal programs are low-cost or even free, making them accessible to more people.
4. No Age Limit: People of any age can join and learn new skills or knowledge.
5. Fast Learning: Courses are usually short and focused, allowing students to learn quickly.

Demerits of Non-formal Education

The following are the disadvantages of Non-formal education:

1. Limited Recognition: Certificates from non-formal education may not always be accepted by employers or higher education institutions.
2. Quality May Vary: The quality of teaching and content may not always be consistent or monitored.
3. Less Structured: There may not be a clear syllabus or path, which can sometimes confuse learners.
4. Lack of Professional Teachers: Sometimes, trainers may not be certified professionals, which can affect the learning quality.
5. Fewer Resources: Non-formal programs may not have access to proper labs, libraries, or other study materials.

Challenges in Education Implementation?

Even though education is critical, there are many problems when we try to make sure everyone gets a good education. Some of these problems are:

1. Not Enough Schools and Classrooms: In some places, there are not enough schools or classrooms. Many students have to sit together in small rooms, which makes it hard to learn.
2. Lack of Good Teachers: Sometimes, there are not enough trained and qualified teachers. Some teachers may not have the proper training to teach well.
3. High Costs: School fees, books, uniforms, and transportation can be costly. Many low-income families cannot afford to send their children to school.
4. Old Teaching Methods: In many schools, teachers still use old ways of teaching. These methods do not help students learn new skills or think in creative ways.
5. Poor Infrastructure: Some schools do not have basic things like clean water, toilets, electricity, libraries, or playgrounds. This makes studying uncomfortable for students.
6. Unequal Opportunities: Children from wealthy families get better schools and resources, while poor children often struggle to get the same quality of education.
7. Technology Gap: Many schools do not have computers, the internet, or modern tools for learning. Students who don’t have access to technology fall behind.
8. Government and Policy Problems: Sometimes, governments do not make strong rules or give enough support to improve schools. Money given for education may not be used properly.
9. Language Barriers: In some places, students have to study in a language they don’t fully understand, which makes learning difficult.
10. Health and Safety Issues: In some areas, students may not go to school because of health problems, unsafe roads, or unsafe school buildings.

Conclusion: Merits and Demerits of Education and Its Implementation

Education plays a vital role in building a better future for individuals like you and me. Whether it is formal, informal, or non-formal, each type of education has its advantages and disadvantages. 

Challenges like lack of schools/universities, trained teachers, high cost, and poor infrastructure still make it difficult for many people to access quality education. To improve the education system, we need to work together and make sure that everyone, no matter where they live or how much they have, gets the chance to learn and grow. To read more informative articles like this, visit Glocaled!