We are constantly learning through various means such as conversations, online content, and personal reflection, not just within formal settings like schools or workplaces. Informal learning extends beyond these boundaries, offering limitless opportunities for growth
We are constantly learning through various means such as conversations, online content, and personal reflection, not just within formal settings like schools or workplaces. Learning extends beyond these boundaries, offering limitless growth opportunities if only you grasp that opportunity.
In the corporate context, especially, it is significant for learning and development (L&D) to integrate both formal and informal learning approaches. While formal learning provides structure, informal learning allows for flexible and personalized learning experiences. In other words, if you have this blend in your company you will become a part of a continuous learning culture, which is essential for addressing skill gaps. L&D plays a significant role in cultivating curiosity and encouraging individuals to explore and extend their knowledge.
What is Informal Learning?
Informal learning or informal training, is self-directed learning with no structure or rules. It is mostly characterized by its spontaneous nature, driven by the learner’s curiosity, motivation, goals, and interests.
This approach grants learners autonomy to select the topics they wish to explore and the resources they prefer to use. A bright example of informal learning was the beginning of internet use when people started exploring the world through a new lens and deciding what type of information they wanted to consume.
54% of individuals aged 25-69 reported engaging in informal learning. Nine out of ten use technology for informal learning.
Informal learning operates at the learner’s own pace, allowing them to absorb knowledge and acquire skills at their convenience. In a professional setting, informal learning occurs organically and can take place at any time and in any location, similar to online collaborative learning, including through interactions with colleagues, which offer opportunities for knowledge sharing.
The Role of Informal Learning in Modern Education
Informal learning plays a vital role in modern education by completing formal instruction. If you are a software developer or a related professional, imagine having requirements for MVP (it's your formal learning), and with the next iteration, you add could-have and would-have features (your informal learning).
Once starting with informal learning, you become a lifelong learner eager to feed your creativity and curiosity.
Characteristics of Informal Learning
Informal learning is characterized by several key features:
Informal Learning is Not Organized: Informal learning happens naturally, without structured schedules or locations, making it flexible and adaptable to everyday situations.
Informal Learners are Highly Motivated: Learners engage in informal learning out of personal interest or necessity, driven by pure motivation rather than external rewards.
Informal Learning is Spontaneous: This type of learning often occurs unexpectedly and is driven by immediate needs or curiosity, making it a dynamic and fluid process.
There is No Formal Curriculum: Informal learning lacks a set curriculum or standardized assessments, allowing learners to explore topics at their own pace and according to their interests.
The Teacher is a Mentor: In informal learning, the teacher often takes on the role of a mentor or guide, providing support and advice rather than direct instruction.
The World is Your Classroom: Learning can happen anywhere—from the workplace to social interactions—turning everyday experiences into learning opportunities.
Informal Learning is Difficult to Quantify: Since there are no formal assessments, measuring the outcomes of informal learning can be challenging, relying more on personal reflection and qualitative feedback.
Often Ignored as Being Worthless: Despite its value, informal learning is sometimes overlooked in favor of formal education, though it plays a crucial role in personal development.
Essential for a Person’s Development at Any Age: Informal learning is vital for continuous growth and development, offering lifelong benefits regardless of age.
Informal Learning Means Lifelong Learning: Emphasizing the importance of continuous education, informal learning extends beyond traditional schooling, fostering lifelong curiosity and growth.
Advantages of Informal Learning
You can’t think of starting informal learning because, mostly, it is spontaneous. But what you can do is recognize its manifestations and embrace them.
Less Controlled
Informal learning is less regulated, allowing learners the freedom to explore topics that interest them without rigid structures or guidelines. This flexibility encourages self-directed learning and personal growth.
More Focused
Because learners pursue their own interests, informal learning tends to be more focused on and relevant to their immediate needs and goals. This targeted approach can lead to a deeper understanding and retention of information.
Practical and Immediate
Informal learning often addresses real-world problems and scenarios, providing practical and immediate applications for new knowledge. This hands-on experience enhances learning effectiveness and applicability.
More Fun
Without the pressure of exams and grades, informal learning can be more enjoyable and engaging. Learners can explore subjects at their own pace and in their own way, making the process more enjoyable and rewarding.
Encourages Lateral Thinking
Informal learning promotes creative and critical thinking by encouraging learners to approach problems from different angles. This fosters innovation and the ability to think outside the box.
Does Not Require Professional Educators
Informal learning does not rely on professional educators, allowing individuals to learn from peers, mentors, and personal experiences. This democratizes learning and makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of formal education opportunities.
Cost-effective
Informal learning offers cost savings by potentially eliminating the need for instructional designers to develop content. Additionally, it saves time by occurring organically rather than in scheduled sessions at a specific location.
Instead, creating an environment conducive to community-building and knowledge-sharing among learners is key. Using social features of learning management systems (LMS) facilitates this process.
Increased Autonomy
Informal learning empowers learners to take charge of their training journey. They have the freedom to explore topics that genuinely interest them, initiate discussions, or pose questions on their own terms. This autonomy allows them to ensure that the content they engage with is both relevant and captivating.
Varied Learning Sources
While instructional designers rely on subject matter experts to develop training content, informal learning offers the opportunity to leverage the expertise of all individuals within the organization. This approach enables you to tap into the knowledge of individuals who may not have been recognized as experts within formal learning programs.
Clearer Picture
Formal learning activities represent only 10% of workplace learning, leaving the remaining 90% unaccounted for in standard learning systems.
Nevertheless, by providing a platform for learners to document their informal learning experiences, you can gain insight into their overall training progress. Social feeds and discussion forums serve as libraries of past conversations, enabling the analysis and understanding of informal learning in your company.
Disadvantages of Informal Learning
Of course, even such great things as informal learning comes with its disadvantages.
Needs Structure: If you are a detail-oriented person, you will get anxious about the destructured form of informal learning.
Lack of Qualifications: Unlike formal education, informal learning has no beginning and no end, consequently, it is not rewarded as proof of your qualification. The only proof is your practical knowledge.
The influence of misinformation: With useful sources, the learners can access all the junk, and misinformation that can make the judgments biased.
Not for Everyone: Not everyone thrives with the freedom to find their own path in learning. Some prefer clear instructions and guidance. For these individuals, formal learning experiences provide the structure they need to feel comfortable and engaged.
How to Implement Informal Learning at the Workplace?
Initially, this paragraph contradicts everything we stated about informal learning’s nature. But, there are still ways to nurture an informal learning environment.
Provide access to professional resources: Training courses, professional materials, software, newsletters, and tools are great to foster continuous learning. Play with different educational platforms and offer tools that help to learn like Saima.
Start a mentoring program: To bring employees of different experiences to the same level, implement mentoring programs where skilled team members advise and guide new employees.
Encourage knowledge-sharing sessions: Probably the most effective of all strategies, knowledge-sharing should be part of your company culture as a way to foster continuous learning and support communication.
Regularly organize team buildings: While many may think team buildings are for fun, they are in fact great ways to bring team members together. Aligned they are open to communication and skill sharing.
Formal Learning vs. Informal Learning
Here are the main distinctions between the two approaches:
Conclusion
Informal learning, arising from everyday experiences, adds flexibility and depth to understanding, complementing formal education by fostering adaptability and enriching knowledge in diverse learning environments. So, which this knowledge, can you admit you just had a little informal learning experience?