Informal learning

Draft

Definition

• "Informal learning accounts for over 75% of the learning taking place in organizations today. Often, the most valuable learning takes place serendipitously, by random chance." ( Marcia L. Conner )

• Informal learning describes a lifelong process whereby individuals acquire attitudes, values, skills and knowledge from daily experience and the educative influences and resources in his or her environment, from family and neighbors, from work and play, from the market place, the library and the mass media. ( Marcia L. Conner)

• According to Mark K. Smith [1] , Informal education:
  • works through, and is driven by, conversation.
  • involves exploring and enlarging experience.
  • can take place in any setting.
  • purpose

• Informal learning is very much related to workplace learning and incidental learning.

Types of informal learning

There are many forms discussed in the literature. Below are related articles:

• Mentoring
• Incidental learning
• Museum learning

Links

jarche.com

References

• Conner, M. L. "Informal Learning" Ageless Learner, 1997-2005. . Good article with pointers.

• Mark K. Smith, Introducing informal education, (Short introduction)

• Mark K. Smith, Informal learning, (Good introduction, good pointers)