What are Formal and Informal Learning for a Workplace?

7th October, 2024

Difference Between Formal and Informal Learning

Career growth depends a lot on what we are learning. It has been seen that there are two types of learning, formal and informal. If you are trying to achieve growth in your career, then you need to opt for both. Over time, it has been observed that with the help of these two types of learning, one will be able to learn more skills and attain more professional success. Currently, in this daunting scenario, one will be able to grow more and achieve more success just by learning a bunch of different things. Skills have become the most important thing for all. These two types of learning, formal and informal, are immensely essential. It can be useful in various ways that can lead to attaining more achievement. Let’s find out more about these different types of learning- 

  • Formal Learning:

Formal learning is a specific type of learning that is included in the training programs. This helps to understand the job in a better way and helps to achieve the goal seamlessly. In this learning method, you will get to work on the skills that are required in your job. It has been seen that formal learning can provide more clarity and help immensely to attain more achievements. In addition to that, formal learning can also help to understand how to work professionally in a workspace.

Examples of Formal Training-

1. Technical Skills:

When it comes to formal learning, then technical skills come at the first place. Looking at the current scenario, everyone can understand that technical skills are immensely important. You need to learn basic technical skills when you are looking for a job or working for a company. In different departments, there are variant requirements, you must learn that. A formal learning program on technical skills can be helpful in many ways.

2. Safety Training:

Safety training is another formal training that can be useful for an employee. Everyone should have the minimum skills to prevent any kind of workplace danger. It would be helpful in every emergency situation. That is why, companies should pay more attention to safety training by instructors.

  • Informal Learning:

Many can disagree on informal learning but it is one of the most brilliant ways to boost skills. In a job, a lot of activities include, which are not taught through formal training. In this kind of scenario, learning the required skills from coworkers can be quite useful. It can help to understand the nature of the job, the work environment, and more. Different methods of executing a project can make a huge difference. Only informal training can be helpful at this time.

Examples of Informal Training-

1. On Job Learning:

When you are working for an organization, then you will get the opportunity to learn a lot of things. On-the-job learning can provide you with much knowledge, help to learn various skills, and prepare you for becoming proficient in the industry. Many things are out there that you will not be able to learn until you are working in the industry or company. Thus, on-the-job learning can be really useful in learning more skills.

2. Learning from Coworkers:

Coworkers are truly helpful as they can always share necessary knowledge, provide the right advice, and assist in learning specific skills. If you are working for a company, then you will be able to learn a lot of things by talking to your coworkers. This can offer you better knowledge that you can implement in your work. Thus, informal learning can be really useful in learning more skills.

To grow in a workplace, formal and informal, both kinds of learning are really helpful. Thus, learning them mindfully can be helpful in many cases.

Tags: Difference Between Formal and Informal Learning, Examples of Formal and Informal Learning in the Workplace