What is one key characteristic of informal education?

Informal education is characterized by its unstructured and flexible nature. This type of learning occurs outside traditional educational institutions and is often self-directed, allowing individuals to pursue their interests at their own pace. Unlike formal education, which adheres to a prescribed curriculum and structured schedule, informal education can take many forms, including community education programs, online courses, workshops, or simply learning through life experiences and interactions.

The emphasis of informal education is on the process of learning rather than on formal assessment or grading, which further supports its flexibility and adaptability to individual needs and circumstances. This allows learners to engage with content meaningfully and in a way that resonates with them personally, fostering a more intrinsic motivation to learn.

In contrast, characteristics such as a strict curriculum, mandatory assessment, and the requirement of certified instructors are attributes associated with formal education systems, which do not apply to the informal educational context.