Informal learning is quite often neglected; however, it can play a crucial role in strengthening formal learning.
The 21st century learning has to be far more blended, variously reinforced, and immensely open. The Y-generation seemingly learns for seeking relevance, improving performance, connecting to people & technology, and impacting output. Learners of today are not charmed by the magic of a ‘sage-on-stage’. They are more comfortable with a ‘guide-by-side’. This calls for a learning ecosystem which allows formal and informal structure to be placed side-by-side.
Formal learning encompasses teacher, class, course books, lecture, time table, and workshop. It does not talk about tools of learning such as conversation, debating, google search, youtube watching, role plays, practicing, online access for repeated learning, and learning from peers over coffee. Since most of it takes place outside classroom, it hardly finds place in formal learning setup of an institution. However, the new genre of learner tends to see more meaning in outside classroom formal setup. An utter neglect of informal learning affects student engagement and also underscores life-skills.
Informal learning is mostly unstructured. Learners feel free and spontaneous. It is rather self-seeking and natural. It involves students in a sheer pleasure of learning without any fear of being graded. It is important that institution provides 24×7 learning opportunities to students. It can be ensured using technology, learning management system, or use of social network. Students do learn better in group and with peers, with forums and platforms outside classroom. Promoting culture of dialogue and conversation is immensely helpful.
The Zen philosophy holds that nothing can be taught, but everything can be learnt. A blend of formal and informal learning provides essential width for maximizing learning and to seek happiness.
Originally Published : THE DESERT TRAIL
The Learning Corridor 
Wonderful Initiative…
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Thanks Smita .. I appreciate your encouraging words.
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Absolutely right sir, informal learning motivates the students for continuous learning
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Wonderful thought process sir. Replacing the term Teaching with Learning can do wonders for the students as well as the instructor.
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Thank you Dr Akash.. you are a wonderful teacher and your fully understand that teaching happens only when learning takes place… pls do write some piece on my blog
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Great Sir, Wonderful words Sir.
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Thanks Dr Hari! Keep on sharing your comments and suggestions.
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Excellent read Sir. Learning is always an edge for the academicians. VED of course is crucial to strengthen the learning accumen for both the teacher and the taught. The essence of your read is inspiring that needs to be followed.
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Thanks Dr Shalini for your encouraging comments. Keep on sharing your ideas and suggestions.
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Good read Sir. Informal learning actually can go a long way, as it is more of self-driven with self-chosen platform for learning.
Would like to hear more from you Sir on how to identify and create such platforms for students.
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The last few lines summed up informal learning so well….Nothing can be taught, but everything can be learnt. Thanks sir.
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Thanks!
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Great insights sir!
All the best for the wonderful initiative 👍
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Thanks Neha!
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Great Sir… Wonderfully explained the VED in context of Bloom’s Taxonomy…. Pz throw light further on applying VED & Bloom’s Taxonomy for Slow & Fast learners specifically.
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Thank you so much Dr Jha! Thanks for your idea and good suggestion. It will surely a good aspect to write on. Please keep on posting your suggestions.
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Dear Dr Pankaj- ji:
Greetings from Dallas, Texas!!
So exciting to see your blog. With this – VED, blended informal
Learning brainchild is born. We need sprouting of such breakthroughs ideas at all higher learning Indian institutions. This way, Indian youth can lead globally in human development.
Faculty lectures should be rich, intense but not at cost of free floating ideas, opinions, and peer discussions. Faculty should be catalyst. Thanks for ideas in enabling 21.5 century learning, sir.
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Thank you Sir for your encouraging words and comments. I fully agree with your views. Please keep on commenting on my posts.
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A good strategy for classroom learning.
Preparation for life is more meaningful than preparation for exams
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Yes indeed
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Wonderfully articulated sir. Great post
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Thanks Dr Varun
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Very nicely put sir, Informal set ups can bring amazing learnings. As a child imbibes so much from his /her informal environment so as the adults. Also what is imperative for a teacher here is that let us not restrict ourselves to classroom teaching only, it should be much beyond it. It is very rightly said by someone that “NOT ALL CLASSROOMS HAS 4 WALLS.
Very well conveyed sir, thanks for such a crisp and profound read.
Regards
Dr. Aparna
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