Informal Learning Basics

by Saul Carliner

Informal Learning Basics provides training and development professionals with guidance and practical lessons on harnessing the vast potential of informal learning in their organizations. While formal training has been the focus of many corporate training programs for the past century or more, much of the actual knowledge and many of the skills workers use in performing their jobs are nonetheless developed informally. Informal Learning Basics will assist you in recognizing and utilizing the informal learning possibilities in your company, and will show you how to create a framework of highly cost-effective training opportunities and a culture in which your employees are able to learn and grow in an efficient and unobtrusive way. In addition to providing an in-depth study of the concepts of informal learning, Informal Learning Basics also -an analysis of how workers develop much of the knowledge for their jobs informally -real-world case examples of informal learners -an examination of the nine principles which govern informal learning in the workplace -suggestions on how to blend formal and informal learning in your organization -descriptions of specific activities for both group and individual informal learning opportunities - a discussion of the importance of support personnel in creating and maintaining effective informal learning programs - an exploration of the significant role played by technology in informal learning - information on the importance of providing a codified framework for informal learning in your organization - a consideration of the fact that traditional approaches to evaluating training are often ineffective when evaluating informal learning, and suggestions on how to best evaluate informal learning programs. In an era where organizations of all shapes and sizes are increasingly focused on cutting budgets and maximizing the return on their training investment, incorporating informal learning opportunities into your training programs will result in competent and knowledgeable employees, and great ROI for your company. With its wealth of insight and information on capturing the potential of informal learning and using it to your organization’s advantage, Informal Learning Basics is essential reading for every training and development professional.

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2012

About the author

Saul Carliner is Interim Chair and Professor in the Department of Education at Concordia University in Montreal, where his research and teaching focus on the design of materials for learning and communication, the management of groups who produce these materials, and the transfer of research to practice.

Also an industry consultant, he serves as Research Director for Lakewood Media and has provided strategic analysis, design, and evaluation services for organizations like the Bronx Zoo, Equitas, Lowe’s, ST Microelectronics, Turkish Management Centre, and several government agencies.

Reviews

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

Haha. The author rated his own book five stars.

This was a grueling beast to get through. There were some great points about how informal learning is where the learner creates his/her own objectives, but it was painful to get through. Very dry.

And the images/graphics were not helpful at all. Windows clip art? Really?

I'm sorry to be so harsh. But this was a textbook that was a really, really tough read.

[Jeffry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid primer on informal learning, primarily methods. I would have appreciated a bit more theory but found the book a good read with useful job aids included.