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

Types of education

In this article you will find the different types of education . However, it should be noted that although education is a universal concept, formal education may vary from country to country. Moreover, 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 provided , it can be: formal, non formal and informal.

1. Formal (regulated) education

Formal education is formal education. It is taught in educational centres 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, and 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

It is a type of education that is intentional and organized, but that is outside the formal sphere , so 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 given without any intention, and occurs throughout life . It happens in the social sphere, for example, when parents educate their child in values. It is the one that has had the greatest importance in historical terms, since formal education has existed for a relatively short time.

This is therefore one of the types of education that is given constantly throughout life, even in situations where one is not aware of it.

According to age and educational level (formal education)

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

4. Early childhood education

Infant education is not compulsory and ranges from 0-6 years old . It is also known as preschool and occurs when children attend nursery school or kindergarten. It is also called P3, P4, P5. It is very important, as it brings many children into contact with the educational system.

5. Primary education

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

6. Secondary education

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

7. Higher Secondary Education

It is also known as post-compulsory secondary education and includes the baccalaureate and intermediate vocational training. It has a more vocational and skills-oriented approach.

8. Higher education

This stage represents higher-level vocational training and university studies.

9. Post-University Education

This stage comprises the training that takes place after university, and includes postgraduate courses, masters and doctorates. It is considered to be a period of specialized training.

According to the format

Depending on how the education is presented, it can be: online, face-to-face or semi-presential

10. Online (distance) education

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

This type of education is useful because of its many advantages, but it also has drawbacks. Find out 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 is provided in classrooms and attendance is often compulsory. This is the classic format of education.

12. Blended learning

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

According to 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.) and 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. Education in values

Education in values is not only necessary for living with other people, but values have a decisive influence on how we interpret events and, consequently, on our emotional health. Education in values includes moral education.

16. Intellectual education

Intellectual education aims to improve students’ cognitive skills, memory, reasoning and/or critical thinking. Formal education is based on this type of education.

  • You might be interested in: “The 12 types of intelligence: which do you possess?”

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, for example, because of intellectual impairment or mental, physical or sensory disabilities.

Bibliographic 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.