Skip to main content
Kent Academic Repository

The interrrelationships between informal and formal learning

Malcolm, Janice, Hodkinson, Phil, Colley, Helen (2003) The interrrelationships between informal and formal learning. Journal of Workplace Learning, 15 (7-8). pp. 312-318. ISSN 1366-5626. (doi:10.1108/13665620310504783) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:13485)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/13665620310504783

Abstract

This paper summarises some of the analysis and findings of a project commissioned to investigate the meanings and uses of the terms formal, informal and non-formal learning. Many texts use these terms without any clear definition, or employ conflicting definitions and boundaries. The paper therefore proposes an alternative way of analysing learning situations in terms of attributes of formality and informality. Applying this analysis to a range of learning contexts, one of which is described, suggests that there are significant elements of formal learning in informal situations, and elements of informality in formal situations; the two are inextricably inter-related. The nature of this inter-relationship, the ways it is written about and its impact on learners and others, are closely related to the organisational, social, cultural, economic, historical and political contexts in which the learning takes place. The paper briefly indicates some of the implications of our analysis for theorising learning, and for policy and practice.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1108/13665620310504783
Additional information: Research Paper
Uncontrolled keywords: learning methods, workplace learning
Subjects: L Education > LB Theory and practice of education
Divisions: Divisions > Directorate of Education > Centre for the Study of Higher Education
Depositing User: Janice Malcolm
Date Deposited: 14 Mar 2009 17:11 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:51 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/13485 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

  • Depositors only (login required):

Total unique views for this document in KAR since July 2020. For more details click on the image.