Informal vs Formal Learning: Creating a Blend!

The corporate training world often questions and evaluates the concept of incorporating informal learning. The question always arises whether informal learning can be added to formal learning and if so, how both can be combined.

Informal learning is the unofficial, unscheduled, and unplanned way to learn and gain knowledge, whereas formal learning is delivered systematically and intentionally with a reporting and evaluation process.

While formal learning will remain fundamental to professional development, organizations can embrace informal learning practices to enhance their learning and training programs.

7 Tips For Formal and Informal Learning

1. Provide a knowledge management tool/platform for employees to share their learning after they attend a formal training/learning program.
2. Encourage employees to write down tips, and answers to frequently asked questions after a training course, which can be shared with fellow learners.
3. Arrange for informal workshops or meetings where subject matter experts (SMEs) can share their expertise with co-workers.
4. Establish a Mentor or buddy program for employees to learn and discuss development ideas, and goals with a high-performing coach.
5. Encourage employees to learn together about topics that interest them, such as the latest technology or methods in their discipline. Organize regular sessions where they can share their knowledge with a wider audience.
6. Create a platform for cross-functional teams to come and share ideas, and create solutions. Most organizations have a “Friday Fun” concept. Why not introduce something like Share & learn Wednesday or Meet & learn Wednesday to nurture a learning culture across the organization?
7. Encourage employees to recommend content to other learners through organizations’ intranet portals or other social streams.

Employees are more relaxed and eager in an informal learning setting and they readily commit to learning a new skill without worrying about exams or evaluations.

However, the accuracy of learning material as well as the learners’ understanding cannot be assessed in an informal learning setting. 

Also, organizations can deliver single information or knowledge resources to a large number of employees at the same time through formal learning methods, and tools; informal learning for large groups is not constructive.

Formal learning can also be monitored and reported and brings credibility to the organization.

Hence, it is not impossible to replace formal learning with informal learning, however, it can surely add more value and engagement to formal learning practices. 

Organizations need to thoroughly understand their learning objectives, challenges, and target audience to create a balanced learning environment for their employees.