Examining the role of formal schooling and informal learning in the transmission of cultural knowledge, values, and practices

Abstract

With a focus on the complementary functions of formal and informal learning systems, this study investigated sociocultural teaching methods that facilitate the dissemination of cultural knowledge and values throughout Southeast Asia. The results show that the main means of fostering civic values, patriotism, moral growth, national identity, and shared historical traditions are still formal and structured national curricula. However, through everyday interactions, storytelling, rituals, and intergenerational learning, informal family and community-based learning continue to play an equally significant role in maintaining indigenous knowledge, cultural traditions, and customary practices. The findings also showed that character and citizenship education, religious or monastic-based education, and culturally sensitive curricula all support social cohesiveness, ethical responsibility, cultural awareness, and respect for a variety of cultural traditions. Combining these methods offers a thorough and long-lasting framework for teaching cultural knowledge while empowering students to value both local and national identities. Despite these efforts, some Southeast Asian nations still struggle to strike a balance between the acknowledgment and preservation of Indigenous and minority cultures and standardized national educational curricula. The study comes to the conclusion that maintaining cultural heritage in the face of globalization and modernization requires improving cooperation between schools, families, elders, cultural communities, and other stakeholders. While guaranteeing the ongoing relevance and transmission of cultural knowledge and values to future generations, integrating formal educational structures with community-based and culturally grounded learning practices can support inclusive education.