Informal Learning Strategies

Learning often invokes images of classrooms or training rooms with chairs, tables, and some form of technology to share information (e.g., whiteboard, interactive whiteboard, LCD monitor). Yet many have argued that learning in formal settings (i.e., formal learning) accounts for a small percentage of the learning that occurs on a daily basis. The concept of informal learning first arose in John Dewey’s work at the beginning of the 20th century to account for some of the other learning that takes place in our daily lives. Later, educational researchers such as Malcolm Knowles applied the concept to adult education and lifelong learning, where it has received much attention to date, particularly in workplace settings. This entry first defines informal learning, then discusses the different strategies learners ...