Several of my reading materials lately have been related to formal and informal learning. There are staunch supporters on both sides. Both has their place in training but is one really better than the other?
In most of the articles, formal learning is usually defined as a learning event that ends in the learner earning a certificate or other form of achievement. The learner generally does not “set” the curriculum.
Informal learning can take place anywhere at any time. Often, the learning takes place because the learner is drawn to learn something new, not because it is dictated by someone else. Through informal and formal learning, the learner is able to do something or is knowledgeable of something that he/she did not know before.
As a trainer, I used to think of most of my training as formal since it takes place in a classroom or at someone’s work desk. However, I am re-thinking that description of my training sessions. Yes, some of the session is often set by a training coordinator or someone at the organization where I’m doing the training. But, during the training session, there are many occurrences of informal learning. We are able to address their individual questions or are able to customize the training “on the fly”, if needed.
Even more of the informal learning takes place during breaks, even over lunch if I go with the students in the training class. I’m always open to answering questions anytime when I do training. I realize that some students do not feel comfortable asking questions in front of other people, so they may wait until after the session or during breaks. I realize that I am not really “paid” for that part of my job, but I still feel that it is very important to do.
I hope you will see training as a formal and informal training event and not just a set curriculum. Let us customize your training and provide you with just the right mix for your training needs!
Even though the economy has picked up some, I still hear people talking about how hard it is to find a job. Even in the city where I live, which did not get hit as hard by the recession as some did, I still have friends that are taking over a year to find employment after a layoff/downsizing. Just today at the grocery store, I let a lady in front of me who seemed in a big hurry and who just had a couple of items to purchase. After thanking me, she explained that she was on her way to a job interview and needed to buy safety pins for her skirt that had a loose hem.
Last week I was sitting at a college graduation ceremony. It was for a local community college. The excitement and happiness was so palpable. Just under half of students were first time college degree graduates. In order to obtain their certificate or associate’s degree, the students had so many hurdles and barriers to get past. 
