TOPI C: I nformal learning contexts

Submitted by,
GREESHMA G
PHYSICAL
SCIENCE
REG.
NO.:13982005



INDEX

1. Introduction
2. Characterizations
3. Park
4. Museum
5. Historical monument
6. Play ground
7. Conclusion
8. Reference
INFORMAL LEARNING
CONTEXTS

Introduction

Informal learning is, by default, any learning that is
not formal learning or non-formal learning. Informal learning is
organized differently than formal and non-formal learning because it has
no set objective in terms of learning outcomes and is never intentional
from the learners standpoint. Often it is referred to as learning by
experience or just as experience. For all learners this includes heuristic
language building, socialization, inculturation, and play. Informal
learning is a persistent and pervasive ongoing phenomena of learning
via participation or learning via knowledge creation, in contrast with the
traditional view of teacher-centered learning via knowledge acquisition.





Characterizations
Informal learning can be characterized as follows:
It usually takes place outside educational establishments;
It does not follow a specified curriculum and is not often
professionally organized but rather originates accidentally,
sporadically, in association with certain occasions, from changing
practical requirements;
It is not necessarily planned pedagogically, systematically
according to fixed subjects, test and qualification-oriented, but
rather, either unconsciously incidental or consciously intended
intuition, holistically problem-related, and related to actual
situations and fitness for life;
It is experienced directly in its "natural" function of everyday life.
It is often spontaneous and creative.

In international discussions, the concept of informal learning,
already used by John Dewey at an early stage and later on by Malcolm
Knowles, experienced a renaissance, especially in the context of
development policy.

Informal learning can be defined as a particular way of
learning which arises from the activities and interests of individuals
and groups. After having identified and selected interests expressed by
learners, informal-learning activities (discussion, talks or presentations,
information, advice and guidance are) are carried out in a flexible and
informal way, in informal community locations.

Conner continues explaining that Informal learning is a
life long process through which people acquire attitudes ,values , skills
and knowledge mainly from the mass media , from daily experiences,
such as those made at work , at play, while talking with our neighbours
and from various kind of interactions , in general. It is apparent that
informal learning is rather related to incidental learning.

Informal learning contexts are such as parks, museum,
historical monuments, play ground, music room, planetarium, ANERT
etc.



PARK
A park is an area of open space provided for recreational use. It can
be in its natural or semi natural state, or planted, and is set aside for the
protection of wild life or natural habitats.





MUSEUM
A museum is a building or institution dedicated to the acquisition,
conservation, study, exhibition, and educational interpretation of objects
having scientific, historical, cultural or artistic value.



HI STORI CAL MONUMENT
A historical monument is a statue, building, or other edifice
created to commemorate a person or important person or important
event.







PLAY GROUND
A play ground is an area designed for children to play.






PLANETARI UM
A planetarium is a theatre built primarily for presenting
educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky.




ANERT is the Agency for Non conventional Energy and Rural
Technology and is an organization working under Government of
Kerala, India.
Present days the students are learned things from these informal
contexts.



CONCLUSION
The speed at which technology evolves today is increasing
more than ever before and technology keeps offering new tools in order
to simplify our lives. At the same time, teaching strategies are out of step
with the times and students are not being taught how to adapt their
learning to fit todays complex work environment.
The reasons why informal learning is becoming so
popular have to do with immediacy and relevancy. Informal methods of
learning are often found in the work environment as they are seen as
techniques that a learner can take advantage of right away and with
immediate application to their job. Another reason consists in the fact
that learners can drive their learning in a more meaningful and self-
directed manner.







REFERENCE
Education in merging Indian society : Dr. Sivarajan
www.informal learning context.com
Wikipedia informal learning context
Wikipedia museum, park, play ground, historical
monuments etc