Informal Learning Basics

Informal Learning Basics provides training and development professionals with guidance and practical lessons on harnessing the vast potential of informal learning in their organizations. While formal training has been the focus of many corporate training programs for the past century or more, much of the actual knowledge and many of the skills workers use in performing their jobs are nonetheless developed informally. Informal Learning Basics will assist you in recognizing and utilizing the informal learning possibilities in your company, and will show you how to create a framework of highly cost-effective training opportunities and a culture in which your employees are able to learn and grow in an efficient and unobtrusive way. In addition to providing an in-depth study of the concepts of informal learning, Informal Learning Basics also offers: -an analysis of how workers develop much of the knowledge for their jobs informally -real-world case examples of informal learners -an examination of the nine principles which govern informal learning in the workplace -suggestions on how to blend formal and informal learning in your organization -descriptions of specific activities for both group and individual informal learning opportunities - a discussion of the importance of support personnel in creating and maintaining effective informal learning programs - an exploration of the significant role played by technology in informal learning - information on the importance of providing a codified framework for informal learning in your organization - a consideration of the fact that traditional approaches to evaluating training are often ineffective when evaluating informal learning, and suggestions on how to best evaluate informal learning programs. In an era where organizations of all shapes and sizes are increasingly focused on cutting budgets and maximizing the return on their training investment, incorporating informal learning opportunities into your training programs will result in competent and knowledgeable employees, and great ROI for your company. With its wealth of insight and information on capturing the potential of informal learning and using it to your organization’s advantage, Informal Learning Basics is essential reading for every training and development professional.

Most learning on the job is informal. This book offers advice on how to support, nurture, and leverage informal learning and helps trainers to go beyond their typical classes and programs in order to widen and deepen heir reach. The author reminds us that we live in a new, radically different, constantly changing, and often distracting workplace. He guides us through the plethora of digital learning tools that workers are now accessing through their computers, PDAs, and cell phones.

"This anthology brings together basic facts and features about basic learning needs and skills of people working and living in the informal economy and presents case studies from different countries examining educational and training strategies for meeting these learning needs. It portrays the grave problems facing educational and training systems vis-á-vis informal sector workers, even as they look at holistic solutions that take into account principles of lifelong learning and innovations in informal, non-formal and formal adult learning, and show a growing awareness that education is a human right of fundamental significance to promoting decent work and humane living conditions. The size, diversity, and the strength and sheer tenacity of workers and owners in the informal sector as well as the stress on globalisation and technological changes have combined to bring about a reappraisal of the links between education and training and the informal labour market. The book looks at the interlinkages between EFA and work and takes the stance that promoting the right to basic education is crucial for overcoming oppression and indecent working conditions. Basic education in its current state is not imparting the necessary skills for entry to the labour market. In view of this gap, the case studies pose the crucial question of what essential skills and which basic learning needs have to be addressed for productive and decent work. Although this book mainly provides cases of learning programmes for the informal economy in countries in South Asia, Latin America and Egypt, the lessons learnt have much to offer to researchers, policy makers and practitioners working in other parts of the world".

If you're thinking about using online learning in your organization, On-Line Learning will become one of your greatest planning resources. The author explains online learning in simple language, defines basic terms and concepts, and addresses three key considerations when planning an online learning program: Learning goals you can achieve with online learning - many you can't achieve in a classroom; Technology you need to consider when starting or expanding an online learning program; Project issues associated with the successful design, development and delivery of online learning. You'll learn: How online learning compares to distance learning, e-learning, web-based training and computer-based training; How to deal with the new opportunities - and challenges - the computer imposes; The difference between formal and informal learning; 3 types of supporting technologies; How to develop online learning materials. The book includes a glossary of terms and samples of online learning lesson designs and is packed with examples, resources and suggestions to ensure your next effort is a success.

Alan Rogers looks at learning (formal, nonformal and informal) and examines the hidden world of informal (unconscious, unplanned) learning. He points out the importance of informal learning for creating tacit attitudes and values, knowledge and skills which influence (conscious, planned) learning – formal and non-formal. Moreover, he explores the implications of informal learning for educational planners and teachers in the context of lifelong learning. While mainly aimed at adult educators, the book’s arguments apply also to schooling and higher education, in both industrialised societies and developing countries where large numbers of children and adults are not and have not been in school and so rely on informal learning to manage change.

Since most research on work focuses on paid work, and most literature on education concentrates on schools, it is not surprising that studies on the relations between work and learning emphasize the relations between paid employment and organized education. This unique book deals with an area that has been rarely covered in the literature on work and education: the connections between volunteer work and informal learning. Through a variety of examples, ranging from the Red Cross to teacher-labourers, from cooperatives to social housing, and from participatory democracy to environmental social movements, this volume examines the learning dimension of volunteer work in different contexts. It also considers the special case of volunteerism among recent immigrants. The case studies analyze three basic types of voluntary organizations: those providing social services, representing local communities and mobilizing for social change. The chapters include profiles of the actual work their members do and detailed accounts of the learning practices they are engaged in during their work, and the impact of such learning on their personal and professional development. The concluding chapter offers a comparative analysis, practical recommendations and steps for further research.

Competency-based training is a unique approach to training design that builds and enhances individual competencies in line with previously identified profiles of success. This training helps fill the gap between workers' actual performance and their ideal performance. Competency-Based Training Basics shows readers how to assess which competencies are important to an organization and individual positions, and how to design training around those competencies.

This new and exciting text is aimed at informal educators involved in youth work, community work and adult education and health promotion. The contributors explore the principles and practice of informal education and focus, in particular, on the notion of 'working with' which is central to practice, in this sector. The book argues for an approach which is relevant to a number of professional fields and which focuses on a way of working rather than upon a specific target group. The book looks at the role of an educator in informal education and youth work settings. Comprehensive and analytical, it looks at social, cultural and political contexts of education. The authors discuss the practical side of teaching from the setting, programme planning and communication to activity-based work, one-to-one case work, formal group work and managing the work load. Finally the book analyses developing professional practice, the use of line management and supervision, and evaluation of work.