Forms and Providers of Adult Education 

Three common forms of adult education with examples.

Formal Education: education that is in a structured setting and in which the learner receives formal grades in a variety of academics (Smith, 2001). Examples include college or other forms of academic classes.

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Informal Education: the "truly lifelong process" of learning skills, attitudes, values or gaining knowledge from environmental influences.

Examples include conversation with people, information seen on social media and television.

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Nonformal Education: organized learning activities not within the formal education system that has clear learning objectives.

Examples include professional development, training for job duties, and activities like book clubs.