MODFL/Mainstream/Introduction

Traditional methods of schooling involve physical attendance of school to be taught by the teacher over specified times of the day under teacher-controlled conditions. This educational practice, which has been the norm for centuries, bears resemblance to a horse going to the pool to drink water to survive. Unless it physically visits the pool, the horse will not drink and therefore will die. In traditional schooling, unless the learner goes to a physical school, they will not learn – the school is the fountain of knowledge. This used also to be the case for vocational education and training and higher education provision but these sectors have been evolving their models more rapidly than the schooling sector.

In this unit, we explore the alternatives to traditional schooling and the advantages of such alternative education

Learning outcomes

By end of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Identify categories of learners who are excluded from the education system in your country and reasons for their lack of participation;
2. Suggest how the education and training system in your country can be improved to enhance access and equip learners with the requisite skills;
3. Compare and contrast the advantages of traditional and open schooling to youth in your context; and
4. Develop a policy framework for an inclusive and resilient education system for your country.

Stop and think

Whether you are an educationist or not, you know of school-age children who are out of school – either have never been to school or dropped out before completing the school cycle. Write down reasons why they are not participating in education. You can even talk to some of them. Share your findings in the chat forum.