Three forms of learning
Coombs and Ahmed (1974), studying education in developing countries, distinguished formal, non-formal and informal learning, which became the basic frame for lifelong learning. UNESCO's International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED 2011) uses similar definitions.
| Formal | Non-formal | Informal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setting | Schools, universities | Private courses, corporate training, adult education centers | Workplace, home, online, daily life |
| Structure | Systematic curriculum and assessment | Organized but flexible | Unstructured |
| Intentionality | Intentional | Intentional | Intentional or incidental |
| Recognition | Degrees, qualifications | Certificates, sometimes linked to qualifications | Usually unrecognized |
| Example | Bachelor's program | Coding bootcamp, job training | Asking a colleague, trial and error, searching videos |
Informal and incidental learning
Marsick and Watkins (1990) described informal learning as experiential learning usually controlled and intended by the learner, and incidental learning as a by-product of other activities. Reflection, questioning and feedback improve its quality.
The 70:20:10 model
Corporate learning often cites 70:20:10: 70% from job experience, 20% from others and 10% from formal training. It traces to Center for Creative Leadership research (e.g., Lombardo & Eichinger, 1996) but is a rule of thumb rather than an empirically established ratio, so an evidence-based stance is warranted.
Implications for adults
- Much adult learning is informal, so workplaces should be designed as learning environments (mentoring, communities of practice).
- Formal learning supplies systematic knowledge and recognition; informal learning supplies practical knowledge and immediate application.
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit-bank systems promote lifelong learning.
- Informal learning can widen gaps depending on individual capacity and environment, so support matters.
See learning theories for the underlying theory.
References
- Coombs, P. H., & Ahmed, M. (1974). Attacking Rural Poverty: How Nonformal Education Can Help. Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Marsick, V. J., & Watkins, K. E. (1990). Informal and Incidental Learning in the Workplace. Routledge.
- UNESCO Institute for Statistics (2012). International Standard Classification of Education: ISCED 2011. UIS.
- Lombardo, M. M., & Eichinger, R. W. (1996). The Career Architect Development Planner. Lominger.
- Werquin, P. (2010). Recognising Non-Formal and Informal Learning: Outcomes, Policies and Practices. OECD Publishing.