Education and Volunteering

Education and Volunteering

This website is designed to encourage your learning journey, rather than to present all the possible tools you may ever need, as this would be simply impossible. Before using any of the learning materials, you should ask yourself the question of what type of learning or education is suitable for your needs. The Third Sector Training website, as an independent platform, supports informal and non-formal training. For every training course you undertake with us, you will be issued a TST (thirdsectortraining.com) certificate. 

Types of Education and Suitable Tools

Education means different things to different people. Some view education as confined to the walls of a classroom, while others perceive it as a product of travel, experimentation, or life experiences. We believe that there are three distinct types of education, each possessing its own value and purpose. Understanding these distinctions is crucial, especially for volunteers or charity workers who may need to plan their learning journey based on training needs and personal aspirations, as well as practical considerations such as time constraints, family obligations, financial resources, and career objectives. Throughout your learning journey, you may encounter a sometimes perplexing divide between formal, informal, and non-formal education. To help navigate this landscape, we have prepared a toolkit that not only elucidates the differences but also provides a rich array of training courses, and tips to assist you on your journey.

Formal Education

Formal education encompasses learning that occurs within structured settings such as classrooms. It typically begins in primary school, sometimes even in nursery with the new nursery curriculum, and extends through high school, university, and beyond, including scientific research. In formal education, learners are usually grouped by age, interest, or education level and are taught by professional teachers. The curriculum is meticulously planned and designed by educators and often follows a strict educational programme or syllabus. One challenge with formal education is that the syllabus is not always updated as frequently as in informal or non-formal education. Consequently, students may graduate with a solid understanding of the subject matter, but the examples they learn from may be outdated. This is particularly problematic in fields such as IT or marketing, where rapid changes occur. The new technologies have accelerated the shift towards online learning in higher education. Educators need to adapt to this change as online teaching is the future of formal education and distance learning. Up-to-date knowledge is crucial for effective online teaching, and educators using traditional methods will eventually need to transition to the virtual realm. During recent times, many educators have turned to platforms like Dedicated Online Classrooms, Zoom Meetings, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex for online teaching. Engaging students in virtual classrooms requires effective strategies as the interaction is limited compared to traditional classrooms. The current world faces challenges including inequality in access to education. Formal education plays a significant role in teaching children and adults who have been forced to leave their countries. Educators should understand the specific needs of migrants, particularly in literacy and language learning, and should possess competencies in intercultural learning and compassionate connection. Micro-volunteering is a convenient way for high school students or educators to contribute to worthy causes. Initiatives like setting up clubs or projects focused on poverty, environmental conservation, or animal welfare can make a meaningful impact. Online gaming platforms can also be utilised for educational purposes and to promote mental health. Awareness days such as "Adopt a Pet" or "Dementia Day" can further promote volunteerism within formal education settings, though formal permissions and adherence to school requirements are necessary. Overall, formal education plays a vital role in shaping individuals' knowledge and skills, and it is often first place where your people find out about volunteering, but it can struggle to adopt and to meet the evolving needs of learners in a rapidly changing world.

Non-Formal Education

Non-formal education shares more similarities with formal education than with informal education, as it often involves organised and deliberate training programmes delivered by a trainer. While some non-formal education courses may not adhere to a syllabus or structured curriculum, the trainers or facilitators responsible for the learning process typically have extensive experience, including years of work or volunteering in the sector, or life experience. If there is a structure in place, it is customised to meet specific needs. Examples of non-formal education include training for volunteers, on-the-job training (such as job shadowing), adult education courses (including employability courses), and music or fitness courses that require one-to-one or group tutoring sessions facilitated by experienced staff or volunteers. In large-scale projects involving volunteers, individuals may be engaged in various activities, and it may be challenging to recognise the monetary benefits of volunteering, particularly for those seeking to transition from volunteering to gaining work experience. A Job Shadowing Programme can be a valuable asset for volunteer recruitment and retention, with many volunteers joining organisations in the hopes of accessing such training programmes. To support volunteer career progression, organisations conduct 1-to-1 meetings, or volunteer performance appraisals to provide accurate feedback and support their development. Understanding the recognition of non-formal education is crucial, as it provides insight into the diverse experiences that individuals from different backgrounds may bring to the learning environment and the organisation they volunteer with. As individuals progress to roles such as volunteer co-ordinator or manager, they must continue to explore and develop their skills in supporting volunteer engagement and development.

Informal Education

Informal education, including accidental education and lifelong learning, refers to any type of education that does not adhere to formal teaching approaches and methods. It is self-initiated and focused on personal development and the attainment of personal short and long-term goals. This form of learning occurs outside of formal educational settings, such as schools, universities, or corporate training, and can be customised to individual needs. It encompasses a wide range of activities, from teaching a child how to read and learning life skills to acquiring knowledge of a local dialect and to lead a local organisation to better support the community. Informal education consists of experiences and learning acquired through participation in family, community, or group activities and often occurs in non-structured settings. However, it is recognised that informal learning can also take place within formal education facilities during lunch or tea breaks, leading to the development of open space techniques that extend beyond the limitations of formal education. Effective collaboration with others requires the ability to identify team players who will support ideas and processes. This skill is vital for volunteers and non-volunteers alike, emphasising the importance of teamwork in achieving goals. For example when working with ethnic minorities, exploring international lifelong learning can enhance cultural understanding and facilitate effective training facilitation. In today's world, environmental issues such as climate change cannot be overlooked. Many volunteers and training facilitators are involved in large-scale environmental projects, where outdoor experiences play a significant role in learning. The combination of outdoor experience, informal approach and environmental education presents an exciting opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in the natural world. Informal learning often incorporates elements of adventure, keeping volunteers excited and motivated. Trainers should occasionally delve into adventurous learning to reconsider its implications for their volunteers or participants. Informal learning is inherently authentic and offers learners the opportunity to shape their learning experiences. It is never boring, as it encourages exploration and discovery, allowing individuals to pursue their interests and passions in a flexible and dynamic manner.

Why this is important

Most types of education can be categorised into one of three categories, and you are likely to encounter some form of each throughout your life's journey. Initially, we all embark on formal education when we attend school, while simultaneously receiving informal education from our families and friends. This informal communication, based on trust, takes years to develop. As we gain confidence, we begin to form relationships outside the family sphere, such as friendships and work colleagues, where effective communication remains pivotal. However, communicating requires different, often more advanced, communication skills. As we enter the workforce or engage in volunteer work, we often realise there is much more we would like to learn. This realisation often leads us to seek out more flexible yet still structured forms of education, such as non-formal education through online training or joining charity or interest groups. Each of these three types of education—formal, informal, and non-formal—is equally important in shaping our knowledge and skills. We encourage you to embrace a lifelong learning mindset and continuously seek opportunities for growth and development. Why not take the next step with us and request one of our non-formal training courses?

Work smarter

As a volunteer or charity worker, your learning journey should never come to an end. This article has shed light on the different forms of learning - formal, informal, and non-formal and emphasised the importance of continuous learning to support yourself and those you work with. While your intentions may be noble, it's essential to make your hard work visible and invest time in online marketing to amplify your impact. Throughout your volunteering journey, you'll also learn the value of persistence and resilience. However, it's crucial not to overlook your own well-being. Many volunteers and staff make the mistake of neglecting self-care, but it's essential to prioritise your health and happiness. Remember, you're making a difference in people's lives, and both individuals and organisations rely on your contributions. So, stay healthy, stay positive, and work smarter, not harder!