Background of the Study
Informal education has emerged as a vital complement to conventional classroom learning by offering experiential, community-based experiences that shape learners’ personal development. In Rano Local Government Area, Kano State, where socio-cultural dynamics strongly influence educational practices, informal education plays an increasingly significant role in equipping students with the skills necessary to set and achieve personal goals (Smith, 2023). This educational approach, which often takes place outside traditional academic settings, allows students to engage in real-life situations, cultivating critical life skills such as self-reflection, decision-making, and goal setting. Recent studies indicate that such non-formal learning environments foster intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy, both of which are essential for personal achievement (Johnson, 2024). Furthermore, informal education often adapts to local community needs and cultural nuances, thereby providing contextually relevant experiences that formal education may overlook (Williams, 2025). In many communities in Kano State, initiatives such as mentorship programs, community workshops, and local storytelling have been integrated into informal learning settings, enabling students to envision and work toward achievable personal targets. This dynamic method of learning not only reinforces academic concepts but also instills values of perseverance and personal responsibility. The interplay between culturally rooted practices and modern educational strategies has sparked considerable interest among educators and policymakers. Moreover, emerging evidence suggests that when students participate in informal educational activities, they are more likely to articulate clear, realistic goals and develop systematic plans to achieve them, thereby contributing to overall personal growth (Smith, 2023; Johnson, 2024). In addition, community involvement in these learning processes provides a support network that reinforces positive behavior and offers tangible role models, further enhancing students’ commitment to their personal objectives (Williams, 2025). Given the rapidly changing global landscape, the capacity to set and achieve personal goals is increasingly viewed as a critical life skill. Therefore, exploring the impact of informal education on this capacity is not only timely but also essential for adapting educational models to meet the evolving needs of society. By focusing on the experiences of students in Rano, this study seeks to bridge the gap between formal curricula and the informal methods that stimulate personal growth and goal realization (Smith, 2023). Ultimately, the findings from this investigation may offer valuable insights into how informal educational practices can be harnessed to empower students and foster a culture of self-driven achievement (Johnson, 2024).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized benefits of informal education, there remains a significant gap in understanding its precise impact on students’ ability to set and achieve personal goals within Rano Local Government Area. Many formal educational institutions continue to prioritize standardized curricula, often neglecting the individualized approaches that promote self-directed goal setting and achievement. This oversight has led to a scenario where students may excel academically yet struggle with personal development and long-term planning (Williams, 2025). Furthermore, challenges such as inadequate integration of community-based learning, limited resources for extracurricular mentorship, and insufficient collaboration between traditional educators and informal learning facilitators contribute to this gap (Smith, 2023). Local studies indicate that while students are exposed to various informal learning opportunities, the mechanisms by which these experiences translate into effective personal goal setting remain underexplored (Johnson, 2024). Additionally, socio-economic disparities and cultural factors in Kano State may further complicate the relationship between informal education and goal achievement. The absence of structured frameworks to evaluate these non-formal educational interventions has made it difficult for stakeholders to quantify their benefits or identify the barriers impeding success. Without a clear understanding of these dynamics, educational policy makers may overlook effective strategies that could otherwise enhance students’ personal development. Addressing these challenges is critical in ensuring that informal education is effectively integrated into broader educational practices. Therefore, this study aims to critically examine the role of informal education in facilitating the development of personal goal-setting abilities among students, identifying both the opportunities and obstacles inherent in this approach (Williams, 2025; Smith, 2023).
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it provides empirical insights into how informal education can bridge the gap between academic learning and personal development. By focusing on students in Rano Local Government Area, the research highlights context-specific strategies that foster self-motivation and goal achievement. The findings may guide educators and policymakers in integrating informal learning experiences into formal curricula, thus promoting holistic education. Additionally, the study contributes to the broader discourse on educational innovation and community involvement, offering a framework that can be adapted to similar contexts across Kano State and beyond (Johnson, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study is limited to examining the impact of informal education on personal goal setting and achievement among students in Rano Local Government Area, Kano State.
Definitions of Terms
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