| Abstract [eng] |
In the context of lifelong learning, non-formal education of children in Lithuania remains on the periphery of the education system, and formal education is considered a priority (Mokymosi visą gyvenimą strategija, 2008). Non-formal education of children (hereinafter - NEC) is an integral part of the Lithuanian education system, the activities of which are organized according to the general principles of the education system. The main goal of the NEC is to create conditions for every child to satisfy their interests, and needs for self-expression, and to develop their abilities (Neformaliojo vaikų švietimo sąnaudos ir prieinamumas tyrimo ataskaita, 2006) The interaction between formal and non-formal education of children is insufficiently analysed and clearly not understood. In Lithuania, formal education of children is still perceived as the main one - general education (Gižienė ir Simanavičienė, 2012). Non-formal education of children is more perceived as leisure, recreational activity that is not compulsory and can be freely chosen (Milašauskaitė, 2016). State support for non-formal education of students is an investment in a conscious, civic, responsible society that is ready for innovation. The first part of the work defines the essence of non-formal education. Non-formal education influences the formation of students’ worldviews and contributes to their full personal development. Non-formal education leads to the growth of conscious, responsible, and open personalities who are able to adapt appropriately to the trends of modern society and the ever-changing world. In this work, the management and improvement of non-formal education services are examined from a theoretical and practical point of view. Based on the analysis of scientific works by Lithuanian and foreign authors, the main defense statement is substantiated that the accessibility opportunities of non-formal education for 1-4 grade students are limited. And the main problem in the management of educational services is the lack of ensuring accessibility and inclusion in non-formal education. The aim of the research is to find out the accessibility opportunities of non-formal education for 1-4 grade students in general education schools, identifying the existing problems and defining the directions to be improved. The empirical part of the research analyses the situation of non-formal education of students in general education schools in Radviliškis. An analysis of the scientific literature leads to the conclusion that the current system of formal education is incapable of developing a fully educated personality capable of participating creatively and responsibly in social life. It is also concluded that not all students have the opportunity to attend non-formal education activities for the following reasons: communication problems (if the student lives further away from school), the financial burden of paying for the activity, or significant tool acquisition 6 costs. It is often a problem that the time of non-formal activities coincides with the time of formal education. |
