Difference between revisions of "Informal learning"

Revision as of 10:48, 15 December 2011

draft 1

Editors: Vyara Dimitrova and Paul A. Kirschner, Centre for Learning Sciences and Technologies, Open University of the Netherlands

Definition

Informal learning is any conscious or unconscious, intentional or non-intentional learning which takes place without an externally imposed curriculum or intended outcome. Unlike formal and non-formal learning, it is unstructured and not directly assessed or accredited (Misko, 2008).

Comments on the history

The term ‘ informal learning’ first appeared in Knowels’ (1950) book Informal adult education, but it was not until the 1990s when, based on a number of exploratory and descriptive studies, Marsick and Watkins (1990) succeeded in delivering a structured definition of the concept. They depicted informal learning as:

“… a category that includes incidental learning, [it] may occur in institutions, but is not typically classroom-based or highly structured, and control of learning rests primarily in the hands of the learner. Incidental learning is defined as a by-product of some other activity, such as task accomplishment , interpersonal interaction, sensing the organizational culture, trial-and-error experimentation, or even formal learning.” (p. 12)

To date, users of the term informal learning have not yet agreed upon a unified definition of the concept. This underscores the challenges accompanying the efforts for a clear-cut discrimination especially between formal, non-formal and informal learning on the one hand, and different types of learning within informal learning itself (e.g., incidental learning, socialization, etc.). The debate goes as far as even raising voices against the validity of the concept as all too general categorization of any type of learning which is not formal (Eraut, 2000). This account, however, once again demonstrates the necessity for understanding informal learning as a hyper-category of learning which may allow for diverse modalities varying per learning situation.

Related terms

Formal learning, non-formal learning, self-directed learning, experiential learning, workplace learning, learning organization

Translation issues

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Disciplinary issues

The term has been broadly accepted in the field of Human Resources Development (HRD henceforth) and adult learning. According to Garrick (1998), informal learning as concept in HRD represents a wholesale theory of workplace learning and assumes

“… effects of workplace practices on one’s learning […] there are indeed rich sources of learning in day-to-day practice situations and that what is learned from experience is dynamic and open to multiple configurations.” (p.1)

It is a matter of fact, that workplace learning is often seen as a form of informal learning. In the area of (English language) teaching, for example, informal learning traditionally refers to the professional learning resulting from activities which teachers undertake usually at work (Lohman, 2006). Studies into learning to teach among others undoubtedly demonstrate that a great deal of learning comes about through execution of everyday work activities or related to their actions, suggesting that the most informal learning is brought about unintentionally and unconsciously as a by-product since they are embedded in these very activities/actions (e.g., Kwakman, 2003). This fact prompts some researchers to ground their understanding of the concept as learning which emerges from not-learning-intended activities generalizing it to all everyday situations (van Merrienboer et al. 2009).

Key references

Eraut, M. (2000). Non-formal learning and tacit knowledge in professional work. British journal of educational psychology, 70(1), 113-136.

Garrick, J. (1998). Informal learning in the workplace: Unmasking human resources development. City: NY: Routledge.

Kwakman, K. (2003). Factors affecting teachers’ participation in professional learning activities. Teaching and teacher education. 19(2), 149-17.

Lohman, M. C. (2006). Factors influencing teachers’ engagement in informal learning activities. Journal of workplace learning, 18(3), 141-156.

Marsick, V. J. & Watkins, K. E. (1990). Informal and incidental learning at work. City: NY: Routledge.

Misko, J. (2008). Combining formal, non-formal and informal learning for work-force skill development. Report. Australian Industry Group project and NCVER.

Van Merriënboer, J. J. G., Kirschner, P. A., Paas, F., Sloep, P. B., & Caniëls, M. C. J. (2009). Towards an integrated approach for research on lifelong learning. Educational Technology Magazine, 49(3), 3-15.