When it comes to learning new knowledge there are two main ways to do so; either through formal or informal learning. Most of us are rather familiar with formal learning, since this is what we have been taught in schools and the way the school system works. When we look up the definition of “formal learning” this is what we get: The concept of formal learning usually includes three necessary features that, taken together, constitute the formality of the learning situation:
And all three of these features are included in a regular school system. When it comes to the work environment “formal learning” is guided through different trainings, but what puts these under “formal learning” category is the fact that usually these types of trainings are structured, they have deadlines and there is a definitive goal.
On the other hand, informal learning is totally opposite of what you just read. It is more unstructured, it happens outside of usual learning settings (for example outside of classrooms/online classes, seminars etc) and it doesn’t have an exact goal in mind when it occurs and it is more unplanned so it happens naturally. An example of when informal learning can happen during your work is when you are talking with your coworkers and they give you new information about how to do something more efficiently/faster/better; therefore through that conversation you have learned something new without even realizing it. Things like this happen in our day-to-day lives; in forums, conversations, online communities etc..
There are some people, who prefer informal learning to formal learning and vice versa. It all depends on a person’s personal preference and how they adapt in each environment. For example; people who like to have a more flexible schedule, be more independent, like to approach things in a more creative way; like in nature or hands-on skills, then informal learning is more for them. In addition, learning the informal way also takes away getting grades and might lower anxiety for people who have it, because big classrooms and crowds might trigger such things. But at the same time, there are people who benefit more from the formal way of learning, meaning: more structure, more discipline and being graded. Also people who like to perform in front of large audiences might enjoy the opportunities given in the systematic way of learning, doing presentations in classrooms and getting feedback.
Every human being is different, that’s why it is important to not give up on the first try when trying/learning something new; for example, let’s say you want to learn a new language. If you pick up things faster when learning in a classroom and doing it the more conventional way with the help of an instructor/teacher and for you it is motivating, then formal learning might just be the one for you when it comes to learning languages. At the same time some people prefer to learn a new language by moving to a certain country/or putting themselves in
environments, where that same language is spoken. Therefore they learn more on-the-go and in an unstructured way. Many times they might not even be planning on learning the language, but situations may arise, which can possibly result in learning new words/phrases without even anticipating it.
In conclusion, I find both of these ways of learning good and beneficial. It all comes down to each individual and their preferences as well as testing out different variations to find out what suits them best.
- A specified curriculum that sets out what needs to be learnt
- Taught by a designated teacher or group of teachers
- With the learning attainments of individual learners being assessed and certified in some way
And all three of these features are included in a regular school system. When it comes to the work environment “formal learning” is guided through different trainings, but what puts these under “formal learning” category is the fact that usually these types of trainings are structured, they have deadlines and there is a definitive goal.
On the other hand, informal learning is totally opposite of what you just read. It is more unstructured, it happens outside of usual learning settings (for example outside of classrooms/online classes, seminars etc) and it doesn’t have an exact goal in mind when it occurs and it is more unplanned so it happens naturally. An example of when informal learning can happen during your work is when you are talking with your coworkers and they give you new information about how to do something more efficiently/faster/better; therefore through that conversation you have learned something new without even realizing it. Things like this happen in our day-to-day lives; in forums, conversations, online communities etc..
There are some people, who prefer informal learning to formal learning and vice versa. It all depends on a person’s personal preference and how they adapt in each environment. For example; people who like to have a more flexible schedule, be more independent, like to approach things in a more creative way; like in nature or hands-on skills, then informal learning is more for them. In addition, learning the informal way also takes away getting grades and might lower anxiety for people who have it, because big classrooms and crowds might trigger such things. But at the same time, there are people who benefit more from the formal way of learning, meaning: more structure, more discipline and being graded. Also people who like to perform in front of large audiences might enjoy the opportunities given in the systematic way of learning, doing presentations in classrooms and getting feedback.
Every human being is different, that’s why it is important to not give up on the first try when trying/learning something new; for example, let’s say you want to learn a new language. If you pick up things faster when learning in a classroom and doing it the more conventional way with the help of an instructor/teacher and for you it is motivating, then formal learning might just be the one for you when it comes to learning languages. At the same time some people prefer to learn a new language by moving to a certain country/or putting themselves in
environments, where that same language is spoken. Therefore they learn more on-the-go and in an unstructured way. Many times they might not even be planning on learning the language, but situations may arise, which can possibly result in learning new words/phrases without even anticipating it.
In conclusion, I find both of these ways of learning good and beneficial. It all comes down to each individual and their preferences as well as testing out different variations to find out what suits them best.
Karolin Käsper
Karolin is an estonian volunteer in Praxis involved in the World Education Day campain.
