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ERIC Number: ED507131
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2009-May-11
Pages: 12
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: ISBN-978-1-9214-1310-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Informal Learning. At a Glance
Halliday-Wynes, Sian; Beddie, Francesca
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
This "at a glance" publication investigates the idea of "informal learning", which has been described as an iceberg: "mostly invisible at the surface and immense in its mostly submerged informal aspects" (Livingstone 2000). It does so in order to offer some definitional clarity for those needing to uncover that learning. The publication also discusses when recognition and measurement of informal learning can be useful but cautions against giving "too much" structure to this learning, for this may stifle its incidental nature and the benefits that accrue from this very widespread way of learning. It considers the learning that goes on daily in a variety of everyday contexts: from the workplace to the home, and through technology and the mass media. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, informal learning is by far the most prevalent form of adult learning. This type of learning offers benefits to all age groups and people, including older workers, migrant groups and refugees, and people who are disengaged from learning. It is also of great benefit to small businesses who lack the resources to formally train staff and plays an important role in the workplace.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd. P.O. Box 8288, Stational Arcade, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Tel: +61-8-230-8400; Fax: +61-8-212-3436; e-mail: ncver@ncver.edu.au; Web site: http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/index.html
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Authoring Institution: National Centre for Vocational Education Research
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A