Given a task of creating a list of the most common characteristics of formal learning, every educator would probably include the following features in their lists:
structured
having a fixed schedule
based on an established curriculum
leading to some kind of validation (e.g. certification)
led by an instructor/coach
taking longer time to complete
What is informal learning then and how its success can be measured? Can it be measured at all? "Power learners' has become a mainstream term in education. Even though using cliche terms is sometimes annoying, this term comes from a great concept or value of lifelong learning. Power learners capitalize on learning opportunities, apply their skills and knowledge in real life, and drive their own learning process.
Informal learning is not led or controlled by an instructor or a coach; however, the role of an instructor should not be downplayed when it comes to cultivating the understanding of how important and powerful informal learning can be as it can happen practically any time and anywhere! If an instructor helps the learner develop this kind of mindset, enhance their empathy and observation skills, it will allow the learner to be able to see a learning moment practically in everything - while talking to a more experienced person in the area of their interest, watching a video, playing a game, reading an Instagram post, participating in online chats or forums, etc.
The goal of the instructor here is to keep learners motivated and interested by drawing connections between the academic or disciplinary content and authentic real-life experiences of the learner. If learners develop an interest in a topic and become inquisitive learners, they will start noticing the examples of what they are learning in many aspects of their lives. They will gain an even better understanding what they learn or consume in an informal learning environment under the discussion of what they have experienced or learned. Despite the fact that by definition, informal learning is not structured, controlled by an instructor, or does not take a lot of time (about 5 minutes a day or of the time that an informal learning experience takes), it is a powerful tool that should not be neglected and should be utilized by instructors.
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Practicing mindfulness, it has been hard to find three things that I am grateful for this week as the end of the academic year is coming closer which puts a lot of pressure on me in terms of assignments and deadlines. However, here they are:
I am grateful for the conversation I have had with one of my professors who has changed my life and supported me a lot
I am grateful for being able to watch at least one episode of the show that I was excited about
I am grateful for having my close people as they are absolutely wonderful!
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