What is
Informal Learning
Informal Learning is any type of education that does not have a set objective in regard to its learning outcomes. It is often not intentional for the learner and is often encountered through participation and knowledge creation, in contrast with the more traditional teacher-centered learning. It is common in communities and social groups where individuals have opportunities to participate in group social activities and generally occurs outside of traditional educational establishments.
Informal Learning often occurs in association with specific events experienced directly in the natural function of everyday life, related to actual everyday situations. Away from a structured, formal classroom environment, it involves the learner setting their own objectives and goals. Informal learning is a key component of an alternative learning system called Learning by Observing and Pitching In, which is very common in American Indigenous communities.