Informal And Incidental Learning

Informal and Incidental Learning • • • • • • • • • • •

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Informal Learning – freestyle, not strict curriculum or classrooms. Opposite of formal learning. Learning from everyday life. Learner may develop the curriculum themselves. Maybe self-directed learning. Example: English for homemaker program. Once a week, set the curriculum according to their need. Held in houses, rotating basis. Example: Study Hall. No teacher there to tell you what to do. Even if tutor is involved. Current events – news programs, documentaries On-line courses??? Some aspects – self-scheduled. However, very structured curriculum, and graded. Set teacher-student relationship. In informal learning, teacher-student relationship is more fluid and dynamic. Homeschooling??? It depends. May be formal or informal depending upon specific situation. Incidental Learning – Accidentally we learn. Can occur informally. If it occurs during a formal learning experience, then it is outside the structured curriculum. In formal learning situation, we call this the “hidden curriculum” if it deals with cultural assumptions. Formal learning – opposite of informal learning. o Assigned teacher role o Structured curriculum o Usually a physical classroom or a on-line space o Intentional o Assessment system controlled by teacher o Specific period of time o Preset benchmarks and goals (learning objectives) Combination of formal and informal learning – doing a presentation. Learning formal objectives and incidentally you are learning much more. Presentation skills, expression skills, etc. Discussion-based class is still formal. Incidental learning as well. Intentions may be good distinction between incidental and other learning (formal or informal)

Examples of Informal Learning • Learn about person’s family • Revivals – explaining cultural religious occurrence • Distinctions between informal/incidental learning • Different learning academies

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Discuss politics if facts are discussed Research paper

Examples of Incidental Learning • How different cultures judge appearances • Finding similarities across content, learning problems, etc, educational challenges. • Revivals • People’s senses of humor • How to distinguish between twins •

Music Industry graduates met in Montgomery. Checking on venues and Marketing Director in Montgomery. First met at theater, supposed to be there at certain time. People from Mobile were late. They got lost and went in the wrong direction. They got directions from MapQuest. Supposed to meet at noon at Professor’s home. Needed to be at theater at 12:30. Needed to discuss things before going to theater. Discussed things that were developed and sent to professor night before.

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Had formal meeting with Marketing professor. Needed things had not been submitted, and people was chastised. In discussion in car, discussed age differences in graduate students.

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Incidental may be the most powerful learning. Lessons last a long time. Nott verbalized, not rational, so it lasts longer.

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Informal very powerful as well. Lot of informal learning takes places. Higher interest and motivation. Usually have more individual control and help.

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Formal learning has advantages: May not know if learning occurs if not tested, specific goals, gain different perspectives, “expert” to guide learning. Leads to a certification or other qualifications. Systematic.

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Conditions that enhance Incidental and Informal Learning.

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1) critical reflection

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2) stimulation of proactivity

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3) creativity

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