The 18 types of education: classification and characteristics

In what ways does the exchange of knowledge take place?

Education is a process by which the learning of knowledge, skills, values or attitudes is facilitated.. Education occurs in different contexts, may be presented in different formats or forms and may vary in content, but the objective is always the same.

Types of education

In this article you can find the different types of education.. However, it is necessary to emphasize that, although education is a universal concept, formal education may vary from one country to another. In addition, each cultural context brings differences in the way of educating, so in each of these categories there can be many nuances.

That said, the different types of education are as follows.

Depending on the context

Depending on the context in which the education is impartedit can be: formal, non-formal and informal.

1. Formal (formal) education

Formal education is formal education. It is provided in educational centers and has three characteristics: it is regulated, it is intentional and it is planned. What does this mean? Formal education is regulated by law, there is an intention behind the educational act, which is to train people professionally.It is planned because it follows an order that we will see later on. After passing the different stages, certificates or diplomas are awarded.

2. Non-formal education

This is a type of education that is intentional and organized, but which is outside the formal sphere, so there is no law.Therefore, there is no law and it is not regulated by the governmental sphere. It can be recognized by means of certificates, but they have no professional value.

3. Informal education

Informal education is unintentional, and occurs throughout life.. It happens in the social sphere, for example, when parents educate their children in values. It is the one that has had the greatest importance in historical terms, since formal education has existed relatively recently.

Thus, this is one of the types of education that occurs constantly throughout life, even in situations where there is no awareness of it.

According to age and educational level (formal education)

Formal education follows a series of stages to be progressively overcome. Education in Spain is regulated by the LOMCE (Organic Law for the Improvement of Educational Quality) and is compulsory until the age of 16. Primary Education (PE) and Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) constitute the basic Spanish education.

4. Early Childhood Education

Pre-school education is not compulsory and runs from 0-6 years of age.. Also known as preschool and occurs when children attend kindergarten or nursery school. It is also called P3, P4, P5. It is of great importance, since it is the first contact of many children with the educational system.

5. Primary education

The next stage is primary education, which goes from age 6 to 12.. It is compulsory and therefore free of charge, except for books and school supplies.

6. Secondary education

This stage goes from 12 to 16 years of age and is compulsory. and is compulsory. It is made up of 4 courses, and in it one advances in the learning of mathematics, languages and general culture. At the same time, it allows access to more developed types of learning.

7. Upper secondary education

It is also known as post-compulsory secondary education and includes the baccalaureate and intermediate vocational training. Its focus is more oriented to trades and to practical and specific knowledge.

8. Higher education

This stage represents higher vocational training and university studies.

9. Post-university education

This stage comprises the education that takes place after university, and includes postgraduate, master's and doctoral degrees. It is considered to be the stage in which specialized learning takes place.

Depending on the format

Depending on how the education is presented, it can be: online, face-to-face or blended learning.

10. Online (distance) education

The online education has gained ground in recent years because it is a convenient alternative for those who do not have much time or live far from the place where classes are held.

This type of education is useful thanks to its many advantages, but it also has disadvantages. Learn about the pros and cons of this type of education in our article: "Online training: 7 advantages and 7 disadvantages of learning online".

11. Face-to-face education

Face-to-face education takes place in classrooms and attendance is usually mandatory. This is the classic format of education.

12. Blended learning education

Blended learning education combines the two previous types of education. Therefore, in addition to face-to-face classes, online activities are also required.

Depending on the content

It is possible to educate in skills, knowledge, values...

13. Physical education

Physical education is a type of education that focuses on educating people on how, when and why physical activity is necessary. It usually combines both theoretical aspects (anatomy, sports periodization, etc.) with physical and sports practice.

14. Emotional education

This type of education is related to emotional intelligence. Emotional learning is closely related to occupational health and improved productivity. Some aspects of emotional education include: emotional self-knowledge, emotional regulation and control, and knowing how to recognize the emotions of others.

• Recommended text: "The 10 benefits of emotional intelligence".

15. Values education

The education in values is not only necessary for the coexistence with other people, but the values influence decisively in how we interpret the events and, consequently, with our emotional health. Values education includes moral education.

16. Intellectual Education

Intellectual education is intended for students to improve their cognitive skills, memory, reasoning and or critical thinking. Formal education is based on this type of education.

17. Social education

In addition to being an increasingly recognized profession, social education is a type of education that encourages the development of sociability and social circulation and cultural and social promotion.

18. Special education

Special education is education for persons with special educational needs, e.g., intellectual giftedness, mental, physical, or sensory disabilities.

Bibliographical references:

• Delors, J. (1996). The four pillars of education. Mexico: The UNESCO Courier, pp. 91 - 103.
• May, S.; Aikman, S. (2003). Indigenous Education: Addressing Current Issues and Developments. Comparative Education. 39 (2): 139 - 145.