Informal Learning on Learning Management
Informal Learning
Informal learning in the workplace or classroom is contributed to absorb wide-ranged knowledge for individuals comparatively formal learning such as training programs, lectures, workshops etc. Informal learning process is associated with exchange knowledge on regular by individuals along with their environment
Figure 1- Formal Vs. Informal Learning (Source: Learn Upon Blog, 2021)
Pros and Cons of Informal Learning
Informal learning in the workplace is highly applicable for each age group to enhance their learning. Informal learning is crucial for learning management within youngers. It is largely impacted for human capital development than formal learning practices. There are several pros and cons associated with informal learning.
Table 1 – Advantages and Disadvantages of Informal Learning
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Informal learning improves individual performance comparatively formal learning. | There are less evident about the knowledge absorbed by individuals. |
Can get unconscious outcomes by learning while working. | It becomes costly when capable employees are less efficient. |
New employees can be learned during the work at their initial level. | Lack of human resource management practice within organizations to promote informal learning. |
Contributes to share knowledge with others. | The impact of informal learning is still uncertain. |
Can keep employees with up-to -data knowledge such as technological changes etc. | Organization do not provide time for employee creativity and knowledge sharing. |
Informal Learning for Learning Management
Learning management is involving with plan and execution of several strategies to reach learning outcomes from individuals. Informal learning contributes learning management process through sharing wide-ranged knowledge while performing their tasks. According to the 70:20:10 learning model, 70 of learning acquire through informal learning
Conclusion
Informal learning is a greater platform for individuals to get hands-on experience and organization can be utilized informal learning as a continuous practice. Knowledge acquired through formal learning can be reinforced through informal learning to maintain effective learning management within workplace
References
Coffield, F., 2000. The necessity of informal learning. 4 ed. s.l.:Policy Press.
Eraut, M., 2004. Informal learning in the workplace. Studies in continuing education, 26(2), pp. 247-273.
Folkestad, G., 2006. Formal and informal learning situations or practices vs formal and informal ways of learning. British journal of music education, 23(2), pp. 135-145.
Learn Upon Blog, 2021. Learnupon Blog. [Online]
Manuti, A. et al., 2015. Formal and informal learning in the workplace: A research review. International journal of training and development, 19(1), pp. 1-17.
Marsick, V. J. & Volpe, M., 1999. The nature and need for informal learning. Advances in developing human resources, 1(3), pp. 1-9.
Svensen, K. B., 2013. The foundation of organisational learning: Understanding the interplay between formal and informal learning at work. Masters Thesis, pp. 1-110.
Looks very interesting and informative , Thank you for the detail work on this topic , useful
ReplyDeleteHH
Useful Topic you select. You have shared Pros & Cons what we can get from informal learning.
ReplyDeletePROS
DeleteIt is faster (just-in-time). Informal learning usually happens right when the learner can put the knowledge or skills to immediate use. For example, my assistant came to me and asked if I had the hard copies of the daily reports for a project. He needed to research a date when an accident had occurred on site. We keep copies of the daily reports electronically store on our shared network as well. Rather than thumb through months of reports, I showed my assistant how to perform a search using the keyword “accident” on the network drive. Within seconds the information was found!
CONS
Employees may waste time. If employees are given the “freedom” to engage in socialization, surf the internet, or seek the advice of their mentor, they may lose site of their learning objective and waste time.
(Shirley J. et al., 2011).
Good explanation on useful area. Most of the employees gather experience and knowledge through Informal learning. Another disadvantage is that the employees get a very narrow learning corridor limited by the company's operations.
ReplyDeleteYes Sanjaya, Informal learning is education that takes place outside of a structured learning environment. It happens when learners are motivated by their own interests. As they learn through experience and content available outside of a predefined formal training course.
DeletePros and cons through informal learning we can understand its advantage and disadvantage. thanks for select this topic to share
ReplyDeleteHi Naduka, Informal education is a great outlet for reflective practice or hands-on learning. This can be especially beneficial when you want learning and development to be an ongoing process. Learning is usually more complete as it happens over time. Skills or knowledge acquired through formal training can be reinforced by outside activities and resources.
DeleteWhen we have thorough knowledge about pros and cons of informal learning it will help us to understand how we can proactively reduce the impact of disadvantages and we can decide which area we should cover by informal learning and which area we should touch with formal learning. It is good practice since it can help organizations to build skilled employees with various knowledge and shared previous knowledge/ experience from the senior work force.
ReplyDelete
DeleteIn terms of learning in the workplace, the focus in on performance. Informal learning needs to be recognized and fostered by organizations. This may be accomplished through mentoring, coaching, or consulting subject-matter experts. Technology can also be used to facilitate the informal transfer of knowledge by including virtual-learning support groups, instant messaging, expert networks, and mentor and coaching networks. The goal would be to create a marriage in which formal learning events and the serendipitous learning moments are given equal value. (Shirley J. & Caruso, M.A., 2010).
The informal learning was more older than formal learning. In an industry there are lot of informal trainings and it learning with solving problems. It gives more experience for employees. Other part is most popular training with in industry. That mean learning under guidance with supervisor. So it will come from formal & informal both. But majority is informal. From this article I learned about advantages & disadvantages about informal learning. Thank you very much for sharing
ReplyDeleteYes..Informal learning is self-directed learning driven by the learner's passion and motivation. In this article, I describe the difference between formal and informal learning and show how you can benefit from informal learning in the workplace.
DeleteCurrently this is very useful topic. Having many benefits for organisation.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a very useful article for any kind of organisation. Now a days specially in apparel section having huge knowledge & skill gap due to learning gap.formal & informal learning % must be implemented in anywhere. It’s helps to the improve performance. Thanks
ReplyDeleteAgreed....Formal learning takes place in a structured and organized environment such as a training/educational institution or on the job. It is clearly designed as an education in terms of time, goals, and resources. It is intentional learning from a learner's perspective, leading to diplomas and certificates. Formal learning is a structured model that presents a rigid curriculum that corresponds to rules and norms. Rather, it is a lecture on presentation.
DeleteOn the other hand, Informal learning is education that crosses boundaries and takes place outside of the traditional formal learning environment such as university, high school, or college. It is an education seen as a continuing learning in our daily lives or the learning projects we undertake to teach ourselves. (Movchan, 2018).
most of the employees are getting knowledge by Informal learning in the workplace. The most useful part is that employees can learn while they are working. But yes as you mentioned there are advantages and disadvantages as well. we have to looking into that very closely. Good explanation and useful blog.
ReplyDeleteYes.Informal education is generally self-directed. But that doesn't mean you can't deliberately engage employees. You can design informal training to support your organisation's learning strategy. Even with intention, informal learning is different from formal training.
DeleteFormal learning is theoretical and informal learning is practical , The gap between this two concept is how one could apply the formal learning in the informal work place , great read and I love this topic .
ReplyDeleteHH
Formal learning is at the heart of most learning strategies, and for good reason. Employees must have technical skills and knowledge to do their jobs. They also need the soft skills needed to work with colleagues and clients. In addition, some training is required by the organisation, or by industry regulations, or by the government. For example, compliance training ensures that organisations operate ethically, fairly and responsibly. In these cases, formal training communicates what learners need to know and ensures that they learn it within a reasonable time frame.
DeleteLearning is the main point to do the correct thing within the job role. With that according to my knowledge informal learning is the most suitable learning for employees.. On the job training or gaining experiences and knowledge can be done in informal learning in working place.. You've shown the difference between those two styles in great manner.
ReplyDeleteExactly...The current research shows that being a research participant and/or a supervisor enhance informal learning activities, for example, reflection and social interaction, and thereby formal training becomes more effective. It is recommended to remind GPs regularly to reflect on their prescribing behavior and to stimulate them to reflect and seek social interaction besides participating in formal training.
Delete(Nadia Roos Spaan et al., 2016)
Informal learning is driven by learner interests. This reduces boredom and allows for more self-directed learning outside of formal programs.
ReplyDeleteYes Imashi, This type of learning can take many forms. Some of the streams include educational videos and articles, self-study, social media interactions, workplace mentoring, or even group games and activities.
DeleteInformal and formal learning both are really important to people in organization. Both develop their attitudes and skills. In your article you have mentioned clearly both as well
ReplyDeleteYes sandya, Formal learning is structured and often required. It has very clear goals and tends to favor a teacher-centered approach, where the goal is to deliver specific content to students. It includes radical programs and specific tests to ensure knowledge transfer. On the other hand, informal learning is learner-centered. It is based on the idea that learners can self-motivate, self-correct, and self-assess in the learning process.
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