Formal vs Informal Learning

Written by Suzanne Conroy, M.Ed., CTI, ICF

Formal learning is your typical classroom standardized education, and informal education is all the other learning that happens in daily life. Society often thinks of learning in the formal sense, but much of life’s most significant education comes from informal learning. In fact, 70% of workplace learning comes from informal education (1). Considering this statistic, is there as much value placed on informal learning as formal learning? Furthermore, is informal learning something society fully understands and is conscious of, or is it taken for granted? There is much advocacy for informal learning to be on par with formal as…

informal learning is foundational for human flourishing (2).

Informal learning is driven by conversation; of course, this is where coaching fits in. I personally cannot fathom who I would be without transformative learning conversations. 

Observation alone does not transfer learning; one must understand the significance of the learning

 (3). In a coaching conversation, the coach acts as a learning connector, meaning the coach is present to bring awareness and consciousness and significance of the learning to the coachee (ICF, 2021). Every conversation is a space to learn more about self, other, and the world. A coaching conversation brings learning to the forefront to generate knowledge, not just in the dialogue but as a life skill one deepens. Learning is limitless and comes from everywhere – our work is to be open and conscious of receiving it.

References
(1) Caruso, S. (2017). A foundation for understanding knowledge sharing: Organizational culture, informal workplace learning, performance support, and knowledge management. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 10(1), 45-52. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1859396450/81A7C297A1D441EBPQ/1?accountid=142373
(2) Jeffs, T., & Smith, M. K. (2019, October 19). What is informal education? infed. https://infed.org/mobi/what-is-informal-education
(3) Freire, P. (1974). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Continuum.
(4) Dewey, J. (1938). Experience & education. Kappa Delta Pi.