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Class 12 Education Chapter 2 Non-Formal (Non-Conventional) Education
Selected Questions-Answers
A. Fill in the blanks: (Marks for each – 1)
(1) Non-Formal (Non-conventional) education is regarded as supplementary and complementary to —.
Ans: Formal education.
(2) Non-conventional education is — and deliberate.
Ans: Spontaneous.
(3) Indira Gandhi National Open University was established.
Ans: On 20th September, 1985.
(4) — first introduced correspondence education in the ‘Shorthand’course.
Ans: Isaac Pitman
(5) The Central Government established the first Open University in India in —.
Ans: In 982.
(6) The name of the first Open School in India is —.
Ans: Annamalai Open University or Andhra Pradesh Open University.
(7) In non-conventional education, the time limit is not ………
Ans: Fixed.
(8) Formal education: School; Non-conventional education: —.
Ans: Correspondence course.
(9) Indira Gandhi National Open University is located at —. H. S. ’17
Ans: New Delhi.
(10) Non-conventional education gives importance to — aspects.
Ans: Individual need-based.
(11) The geographical distance between teacher and learner is animportant characteristic of —. H. S. ’16
Ans: Distance education.
(12) Formal education: School; Non-conventional education: —.
Ans: Correspondence course.
(13) Non-conventional education gives importance to — aspects.
Ans: Individual need-based.
(14) Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University was established in Assam in —.
Ans: In 2007.
(15) The absence of direct contact between teacher and learner is an important characteristic of — education. H. S. ’16
Ans: Distance.
B. Short Answer Questions: (Marks for each – 1)
(1) Write the name of the first Open University in India. H. S. ’20
Ans: Andhra Pradesh Open University or Annamalai Open University.
Note: Now Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University, established in 1982.
(2) Write the name of the first Open University in Assam.
Ans: Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University.
(3) Is non-conventional education institution-centered?
Ans: Non-conventional education is not institution-centered or confined within the four walls of a school.
(4) What is the full form of IGNOU?
Ans: The full form of IGNOU is Indira Gandhi National Open University.
(5) Mention one difference between formal and non-conventional education.
Ans: The scope of formal education is limited, whereas the scope of nonconventional education is wider.
(6) In distance education, how is the relationship between teacher and learner maintained?
Ans: In distance education, the relationship between teacher and learner is maintained indirectly.
(7) What is the name of the largest Open University in the world?
Ans: China Television Open University.
Note: The name has changed to The Open University of China.
(8) What is the name of the second-largest Open University in the world? H. S. ’19
Ans: Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi.
(9) When was Indira Gandhi National Open University established?
Ans: On 20th September, 1985.
(10) Write the name of one Open School you know.
Ans: Delhi Open School.
Note: The commonly recognized open schooling system in Delhi is the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), headquartered in Noida.
(11) In which country was distance education first started?
Ans: In Europe.
Note: Distance education was first systematically introduced in England in Europe.
(12) What is the full form of SLM?
Ans: The full form of SLM is Self Learning Material.
(13) Who described distance education as ‘telematic teaching’?
Ans: Moore described distance education as ‘telematic teaching’.
(14) What are the media of communication in correspondence courses?
Ans: The media of communication are printed materials, written notes, letters, etc.
(15) In which year did Delhi University introduce the correspondence course?
Ans: In 1962.
C. Answer the following: (Marks for each – 2)
(1) What is the role of the teacher in non-conventional education?
Ans: In non-conventional education, the role of the teacher is very limited. There is no direct contact between teacher and learner; the process is completed indirectly.
(2) Why is correspondence education called ‘education through post’?
Ans: In the correspondence system, there is no direct relationship between teacher and learner. Therefore, in order to provide educational services to those who wish to acquire knowledge through correspondence courses, communication is maintained through printed materials, written notes, letters, etc., that is, through postal services. Hence, correspondence education is called‘education through post’.
(3) What is distance education?
Ans: Distance education is a method of non-formal (non-conventional)education in which the teacher imparts education to learners from a distance. For this system, television, radio, audio cassettes, computers, and other printed materials are used.
(4) What is meant by non-conventional education? H. S. ’16
Ans: Non-conventional education is an alternative system of education for children who cannot receive education at the appropriate time due to social, economic, educational, or other reasons. It is organized, well-planned, and flexible in nature.
(5) What is open education? Or, what does the word ‘open’ signify in open education? H. S. ’15
Ans: The most flexible aspect of distance education is open education. Open education is free from the rules and regulations of formal education. That is, in open education, learners have the freedom to choose what to learn, how to learn, when to learn, and where to learn. A person may continue working for livelihood and simultaneously pursue education through the open education system.
(6) What is meant by ‘open education’?
Ans: The word ‘open’ means free, unrestricted, or flexible. In the field of education, the term ‘open’ signifies that learners can receive education without barriers or rigid restrictions. Those who were deprived of formal education due to various reasons can later obtain education without obstacles; such an opportunity is called open education.
(7) Give one definition of distance education.
Ans: Different scholars have defined distance education in different ways. Among them, the definition given by Dohman may be considered satisfactory: “Distance education is a systematically organized form of self-study in which teachers work in teams to prepare instructional materials and to provide guidance to learners. It is carried out through mass media capable of covering geographical distance.”
(8) Why is correspondence education called education through post?
Ans: Correspondence education is called education through post because in this system, learners receive instructional materials by post. The educational process continues through postal communication without face-to-face interaction between teacher and learner.
(9) Write about the origin of correspondence courses (education through post).
Ans: In some European countries, correspondence education was introduced in the nineteenth century. Isaac Pitman introduced correspondence education in 1840. In India, the correspondence system was introduced in 1962. Thus, students who could not attend regular classes have benefited through correspondence education.
(10) Mention one feature that distinguishes non-conventional education from formal education. H. S. ’15
Ans: Formal education has a fixed time limit. But non-conventional education has no fixed time limit. Such education can be received at any stage of life.
(11) Write two characteristics of distance education. H. S. ’16
Ans: Two characteristics of distance education are—
(a) Distance between teacher and learner.
(b) It is economical and flexible.
(12) Name two categories of persons who benefit from nonconventional education. H. S. ’16
Ans: Two categories of persons who benefit are—
(a) Illiterate persons.
(b) Physically challenged persons.
(13) Write two important features of education through post. H. S.’17
Ans: Two important features are—
(a) Education can be received while sitting at home.
(b) It saves time and money.
(14) Mention two important aspects of distance education. H. S. ’18
Ans: Two important aspects are—
(a) Use of technological media.
(b) Absence of direct relationship between teacher and learner.
D. Answer in detail: (Marks for each – 3/4)
(1) Mention three merits (advantages) of open education.
Ans: The three merits (advantages) of open education are—
(a) Open education helps in providing education again to those who were deprived of formal education due to various educational, social, economic, or geographical reasons.
(b) Open education provides equal educational opportunities to the weaker, underdeveloped, and socio-economically backward sections of society.
(c) Open education is more economical, practical, and helpful for receiving vocational education necessary for life.
(2) Write the objectives of open schools.
Ans: The objectives of open schools are—
(a) To ensure that citizens of all levels of a country get equal opportunities to receive education.
(b) To arrange for a large number of people in the country to receive higher education while staying at home.
(c) To provide educational opportunities to those who were deprived of continuous education or could not avail themselves of educational facilities.
(d) To take necessary steps for improving the overall standard of education.
(3) Who are the learners of open schools?
Ans: The open school system is a very important institution in modern society. In our society, especially some economically weak boys and girls, enter the field of work without receiving a general education. Similarly, those who have discontinued their education midway and those who are interested in continuing their studies are the learners of open schools. In these schools, people of all ages have the opportunity to receive an education.
4) Why is non-conventional education called a flexible system of education? H. S. ’15
Or
Why is non-conventional education considered a supportive system of education? H. S. ’17
Ans: Non-conventional education is called flexible or supportive mainly because there is no fixed age limit for admission in this system. People of any age can receive education at any time. Moreover, there is no rigid and unchangeable curriculum in this system. Through non-conventional education, learners can acquire up-to-date knowledge in different subjects of the curriculum. Working people can also benefit by improving their professional skills or receiving vocational training.
(5) “The modern world is facing three types of explosions.” What are these explosions?
Ans: The three major explosions faced by the modern world are—
(a) Population explosion: The rapid growth rate of the population in a country has created an explosive situation. As a result, a large number of people face various problems and are deprived of facilities, including education.
(b) Explosion of aspirations: With the increasing complexity of social life, human desires and aspirations are also increasing. As a result, the unfulfilled aspirations of individuals and society have taken an explosive form.
(c) Knowledge explosion: With the rapid development of science and technology, new fields of knowledge are emerging. Simultaneously, people’s thirst for knowledge has increased, leading to a knowledge explosion.
(6) Mention three types of modern devices generally used in distance education.
Ans: The three types of modern devices generally used in distance education are—
(a) Audio-visual aids.
(b) Computers.
(c) Telecommunication devices.
(7) “Distance education is a flexible system of education.” Explain. H. S. ’17
Ans: Distance education is considered a flexible system because flexibility is maintained in matters such as admission, subject selection, age, and rules and regulations. Moreover, it can be pursued at any stage of life. It is also economical. Therefore, distance education is called a flexible system of education.
(8) What is meant by non-conventional education? Discuss its characteristics. H. S. ’16, ’20
Ans: Non-conventional education is an alternative system of education for children who cannot receive education at the appropriate time due to social,
economic, educational, or other reasons. Some characteristics of nonconventional education are—
(a) It is an alternative system. Those deprived of formal education or unable to study at the proper time can receive such education at any stage of life.
(b) It is economical, as it can often be pursued from home.
(c) It is learner-centered. Learners enjoy freedom in this system.
(d) It is flexible in nature.
(e) There is no strict compulsion regarding rules, regulations, or curriculum.
(9) “All open education is distance education, but all distance education is not open.” Give two arguments. H. S. ’19
Ans: The two arguments in support of the statement are—
(a) There is a geographical distance between the teacher and learner.
(b) It is an economical and flexible system of education.
(10) Why is distance education necessary for modern society? H. S.’19
Ans: Distance education is a method of non-conventional education in which teachers impart education to learners from a distance. For this system, television, radio, audio cassettes, computers, and other printed materials are used. Distance education is necessary in modern society because the present age is highly busy. People must work hard to earn their livelihood. Due to financial problems and a lack of opportunities, many are deprived of education at the appropriate time. Since distance education is flexible and open to people of all ages, it is highly necessary for universalizing education. Some important characteristics of distance education are—
(a) Education can be received while staying at home.
(b) It saves time and money.
(c) It is flexible.
(d) Learners enjoy freedom in this system.
E. Long Answer Questions: (Marks for each – 5)
(1) Write three objectives of an open university.
Ans: The three main objectives of an open university are—
(a) To provide higher education facilities to a large section of the total population of a country.
(b) To arrange vocational and livelihood-oriented educational programmes.
(c) To take education to the doorstep of the people with the help of communication and technology.
(2) What is an open school? Briefly write about its necessity.
Ans: In the present time, the concept of an open school is very important. Children of all sections of society cannot receive education at the proper time. Economically weaker students often have to enter the workforce without receiving a formal education. To provide education to such learners, even at alater stage, a type of school has developed which is called an open school. Necessity of open schools: In modern times, the concept of open education has been accepted throughout the world. The knowledge explosion has created the necessity for open schools. Due to poverty, disability, parental illiteracy, transportation problems, residence in backward areas, conservatism, child marriage, and lack of educational institutions, many have been deprived of formal education. Open schools provide educational opportunities to such people, even at a later age. They also offer opportunities for study at a lower cost and at an advanced age. Therefore, the necessity of open schools is considerable.
(3) Write in detail the recommendations given by the Kothari Commission regarding correspondence education.
Ans: Emphasizing correspondence education, the Kothari Commission made the following recommendations—
1. To arrange correspondence education on a large scale for those who are unable to pursue full-time or part-time education.
2. To provide students with occasional opportunities to meet teachers.
3. To prepare radio and television programmes to support education.
4. To arrange this system for teacher training as well.
5. To introduce correspondence education not only for university degrees but also in fields such as agriculture and industry to increase production.
(4) Why is open education necessary in modern society? Explain.
Ans: In the present social system, the main reasons for the necessity of open education are—
(1) Rapid development of science and technology has created a knowledge explosion in society. To meet this demand, open education has become necessary.
(2) Open education helps to prevent large-scale wastage found in the formal education system.
(3) It is necessary to provide education to those who are deprived of it due to socio-economic, geographical, or other reasons.
(4) Open education is necessary for national development, socio-economic progress, and the development of thought and ideals.
(5) “Non-conventional education is based on democratic ideals.”Explain briefly. H. S. ’17
Or
Discuss briefly the importance of non-conventional education. H.S. ’15
Ans: One notable aspect of non-conventional education is that it is based on democratic principles. It provides equal opportunities for education to all. Moreover, non-conventional education is need-based, production-oriented, and vocational in nature. The main objectives of education in a democratic country are that education should be need-based, production-oriented, and vocational. Since non-conventional education incorporates these principles and ideals, it is said to be based on democratic ideals. Its importance in modern times is immense.
(6) Describe the objectives of distance education. H. S. ’20
Ans: The objectives of distance education are—
(a) Universalization of education: Distance education provides education for all, helping to realize universal education.
(b) Functional, flexible, and economical education: It provides low-cost, flexible, and practically useful education for life.
(c) Expansion of knowledge: It ensures easy dissemination of knowledge to all sections of society.
(d) Reduction of problems in formal education: The conventional formal system has many limitations; distance education can solve many of them.
(e) Enhancement of vocational skills: Professionals can acquire knowledge and skills through distance education and improve their efficiency in their respective occupations.
(7) What are the weaknesses of non-conventional education?
Ans: Although non-conventional education has become popular and indispensable in modern society, it is not free from defects. The weaknesses of non-conventional education are discussed below—
(1) Though education expands through non-conventional education, there remains doubt regarding the qualitative improvement of education.
(2) Since non-conventional education is largely learner-centered, teachers are sometimes found to be less interested in the teaching process.
(3) Non-conventional education may make learners more independent than necessary. As a result, their seriousness toward acquiring knowledge may decrease.
(4) There is a possibility that non-conventional education may limit the scope of learners’ knowledge.
(5) Since teachers and learners do not meet face to face, the effectiveness of the teaching-learning process may be reduced.
8) Discuss in detail the scope of non-conventional education.
Ans: The scope of non-conventional education is very wide. It is often called life-centered education. Its scope may be explained as follows—Non-conventional education includes certain schemes and strategies of formal education, such as—
(a) Pre-school programmes for children.
(b) Universalization of primary education for children aged 6–14 years.
(c) Development of full-time and part-time education at the secondary level.
(d) Introduction of non-conventional education at the university level. The programmes of non-conventional education include—
(a) Functional literacy.
(b) Vocational skill training.
(c) Health education.
(d) Nutrition education.
(e) Environmental education.
(f) Consumer education.
(9) Write five characteristics (advantages) of open education. H. S.’20
Ans: The five characteristics of open education are—
(1) Learners without previous experience or formal qualifications can receive open education.
(2) Open education is not confined to the classroom; it can be pursued from any place.
(3) Learners can pursue open education according to their needs and convenience.
(4) Instead of traditional lectures by teachers, technological aids are used.
(5) Learners have the freedom to choose what to learn, where to learn, when to learn, and how to learn.
(10) “The open education system can fulfill the needs of all sections of society.” Present your opinion.
Ans: In our society, due to poverty, illiteracy, residence in backward areas, poor transportation facilities, and similar reasons, many people are deprived of formal education. Moreover, many are compelled to enter various occupations and, despite their interest, cannot continue their education. Open education provides these people with a second opportunity to receive education. This system is not confined by fixed age, place, or rigid curriculum.
Therefore, people from all sections of society can avail themselves of this opportunity. Furthermore, it can provide need-based education to a growing population. Hence, it may be said that the open education system can fulfill the needs of all sections of society.
(11) “Non-conventional education is a blessing for those who wish to study later, dropouts, and the deprived.” Explain.
Ans: In the present time, non-conventional education has become widely popular and is regarded as a need-based system of education. As an alternative to formal education, it has become indispensable. Those who, despite their desire, could not receive education at the proper time are now given the opportunity to study at any stage of life through non-conventional education. Again, a large number of people who left school due to financial hardship, poor transportation, child marriage, and similar reasons can receive education under this system. On the other hand, those who have not yet been covered by formal general education are also given opportunities through non-conventional education. Therefore, it may rightly be said that non-conventional education is a blessing for late learners, dropouts, and the deprived.
(12) What is distance education? Show your familiarity with the nature of distance education. H. S. ’16
Ans: Distance education refers to receiving education from a distant educational institution through postal or other means of communication while staying at home.
Some characteristics of distance education are—
(a) Physical distance between teacher and learner.
(b) It is economical and flexible.
(c) Use of technological media.
(d) No direct relationship develops between teacher and learner.
(e) It is learner-centered.
(f) There is less compulsion regarding academic rules and regulations.
(g) Learners enjoy independence.
(h) It can be pursued in a home environment. Some objectives of distance education are—
(a) It provides education for all, thus helping in the realization of universal education.
(b) It provides low-cost, flexible, and practically useful education for life.
(c) It ensures easy expansion of knowledge to all sections of society.
(d) It helps to solve many problems of the conventional formal education system.
(e) Professionals can enhance their knowledge and skills and improve efficiency in their occupations through distance education.
(13) What is non-conventional education? Briefly discuss its importance in modern society. H. S. ’18
Ans: One notable aspect of non-conventional education is that it is based on democratic principles. It provides equal opportunities for education to all. Moreover, non-conventional education is need-based, production-oriented, and vocational in nature. In a democratic country, education should be need-based, production-oriented, and vocational. Since non-conventional education incorporates these principles and ideals, it is said to be based on democratic ideals, and its importance in modern times is immense.
At present, non-conventional education has become widely popular andneed-based. As an alternative to formal education, it is indispensable. Those who could not receive education at the proper time despite their desire are given opportunities to study at any age through this system. Moreover, a large number of people who left school due to financial hardship, poor transport facilities, or child marriage can benefit from this system. Those who are still beyond the reach of formal or general education are also given opportunities through non-conventional education. Therefore, it may be concluded that non-conventional education is a blessing for late learners, dropouts, and the deprived.
