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Publication date: 27.05.2024
Lawyer, graduated from the National University "Odesa Law Academy" with honors. Since 2017, I have been specializing in legal and educational and general legal issues. I am the author of legal articles, scientific publications and articles in the educational environment. Mentor of the "Veritas" legal clinic. The owner of the legal blog "Educational_law_ua" on Instagram.
In today's world, education is a vital component of personal and societal development. The traditional education system, which includes preschool, school, and higher education, does not always meet modern requirements and labor market needs. Consequently, informal education, which offers flexible and tailored learning programs, is gaining popularity. This article explores the legal aspects of informal education in Ukraine and its development prospects.
Concept and Types of Informal Education
Informal education is a learning activity that occurs outside the formal education system and does not result in an officially recognized diploma or certificate. Informal education includes various courses, training sessions, workshops, webinars, online courses, and more.
Types of Informal Education
- Professional Courses and Training: Aimed at increasing qualifications or acquiring new professional skills.
- Online Courses: Educational programs conducted through internet platforms such as Coursera, Udemy, Prometheus.
- Workshops and Seminars: Short-term events focused on sharing experience and knowledge in a specific field.
- Volunteer Programs: Include education and practical experience in social work, ecology, culture, etc.
- Self-Education: Individual learning through books, video lessons, and educational materials.
Legal Regulation of Informal Education in Ukraine
Unlike formal education, informal education in Ukraine lacks a clear legislative framework, but it is regulated by several legal acts.
Legislative Framework
- Law of Ukraine "On Education": Defines the main principles and directions of state educational policy, including the development of informal education.
- Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education": Partially covers issues of informal education, particularly through provisions on lifelong learning and professional development.
- Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine: Regulate the activities of specific forms of informal education, such as professional development courses for civil servants.
- Orders of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine: Define requirements for educational programs, accreditation of institutions, and certification of courses.
Accreditation and Certification Issues
Accreditation and certification in the field of informal education are crucial aspects that ensure the quality of educational programs and their recognition in the labor market. However, unlike formal education, not all informal education programs require mandatory accreditation.
Recognition of Informal Education Results
One of the main problems of informal education is the recognition of learning outcomes. Many countries have developed systems that officially recognize the results of informal learning and credit them in formal education programs. In Ukraine, work is also underway in this direction, particularly through the implementation of the National Qualifications Framework, which allows for the assessment and recognition of competencies acquired informally.
Advantages and Challenges of Informal Education
Advantages
- Flexibility: The ability to choose a convenient time and format for learning.
- Individualization: Educational programs can be tailored to the individual needs and interests of learners.
- Practicality: Most programs focus on the practical application of knowledge and skills.
- Rapid Adaptation to Changes: Informal education responds quickly to changes in labor market requirements and technological innovations.
Challenges
- Recognition of Diplomas and Certificates: The need to develop mechanisms for the official recognition of informal learning outcomes.
- Quality Control: The lack of clear standards can lead to a decrease in the quality of individual programs.
- Funding: Limited access to state funding for organizations providing informal education services.
- Information Accessibility: The need to raise awareness among the population about the opportunities and benefits of informal education.
Prospects for the Development of Informal Education in Ukraine
State Support and Promotion
- Development of Legislative Framework: The need to adopt laws and regulations that will govern activities in the field of informal education.
- Funding and Grants: Creation of state programs to support and finance projects in the field of informal education.
- Support for Enterprises: Encouraging enterprises to invest in the professional development of their employees through informal education programs.
Integration with Formal Education
- Recognition of Learning Outcomes: Creation of mechanisms for the official recognition and crediting of informal education results in formal education programs.
- Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Development of cooperation between formal and informal education institutions to create comprehensive educational programs.
- Professional Orientation: Integration of informal education programs into the professional orientation process for schoolchildren and students.
Use of Modern Technologies
- Online Platforms: Development and support of online learning platforms that provide access to quality educational resources.
- Mobile Applications: Creation of mobile applications for learning that allow acquiring knowledge at any convenient time and place.
- Use of Artificial Intelligence: Application of artificial intelligence technologies for the creation of individualized learning programs and knowledge assessment.
International Cooperation
- Experience Exchange: Participation in international projects and programs aimed at the development of informal education.
- Adaptation of International Standards: Implementation of international standards and methodologies in the field of informal education.
- Scholarships and Grants: Participation in international grant programs that support projects in the field of informal education.
Conclusion
The analysis of documents determines that non-formal education in Ukraine has a significant potential for development and influence on society - this is exactly the legal conclusion that can be made considering the legal analysis of the situation as a whole. It allows a flexible and quick response to the needs of the labor market, providing high-quality and affordable education for a wide range of citizens. However, the full development of this area requires state support, the development of an appropriate legislative framework, financing and international cooperation. Only under these conditions will non-formal education be able to become a full-fledged part of the educational system of Ukraine and contribute to increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian citizens on the international labor market. That is why, if you plan to work or develop a business in this area, the consultation of a lawyer or, for example, the written consultation of a lawyer of the "Consultant" firm will be quite appropriate in this format.
