informal learning and informal education

Once the obvious point is made that much learning takes place beyond the formal confines of the classroom, then the usefulness of the notion of ‘informal learning’ quickly fades.

However, we do need to think about how we cultivate environments that stimulate and support self-education and incidental learning; and provide a setting so that people can reflect on their learning and explore their tacit knowledge.

There is, thus, a role for educators who are able to develop such settings.