Entering educational debate more than 50 years back, the notion of informal learning is still highly relevant today and of specific interest in the context of vocational education and training (VET). Still, we do not know a lot about a wide range of aspects of the topic as well as interactions between formal and informal learning. Defining the latter precisely presents difficulties to the world of research, as the concept itself is characterised by flexibility and openness. This book was initiated to fill a gap in understanding informal learning in the context of training and development. 18 chapters cover a wide range of aspects and different objectives, levels and places of informal learning. Authors from different parts of Europe as well as Japan, Australia, India and Bangladesh have been selected to contribute to the topic from varying country perspectives. As such, this volume makes a unique contribution in exploring informal learning in VET.

This six-volume handbook covers the latest practice in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It presents TVET models from all over the world, reflections on the best and most innovative practice, and dozens of telling case studies. The handbook presents the work of established as well as the most promising young researchers and features unrivalled coverage of developments in research, policy and practice in TVET.

Effective knowing and learning for vocational purposes must take account of the wide range of variables that impact on knowledge formation and that promote learning. In light of those many variables, the formal sector of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) must constantly ask itself what it could and should do to better provide vocational learning for those people likely to pursue learning via the informal sector. This book addresses that question. Vocational Learning: Innovative Theory and Practice discusses four theoretical aspects of vocational learning that support understanding of vocational learning processes and practices: the situations of vocational learning; the power and roles of social networks and identity in vocational learning; knowing and knowledge management processes; and the implications for pedagogic practices in both informal and formal TVET systems. The book provides an overview of a series of international examples of innovative approaches to vocational educational theory and practice, and it draws on empirical research to analyze the effects of those approaches. It includes unique insights into aspects of TVET for Indigenous peoples. With a discussion of policy implications for Europe, North America and Australia, this book is an instrumental tool to understand the underlying factors that generate effective educational and workforce outcomes through effective formal and informal learning.

This book deals with the relevance of recognition and validation of non-formal and informal learning education and training, the workplace and society. In an increasing number of countries, it is at the top of the policy and research agenda ranking among the possible ways to redress the glaring lack of relevant academic and vocational qualifications and to promote the development of competences and certification procedures which recognise different types of learning, including formal, non-formal and informal learning. The aim of the book is therefore to present and share experience, expertise and lessons in such a way that enables its effective and immediate use across the full spectrum of country contexts, whether in the developing or developed world. It examines the importance of meeting institutional and political requirements that give genuine value to the recognition of non-formal and informal learning; it shows why recognition is important and clarifies its usefulness and the role it serves in education, working life and voluntary work; it emphasises the importance of the coordination, interests, motivations, trust and acceptance by all stakeholders. The volume is also premised on an understanding of a learning society, in which all social and cultural groups, irrespective of gender, race, social class, ethnicity, mental health difficulties are entitled to quality learning throughout their lives. Overall the thrust is to see the importance of recognising non-formal and informal learning as part of the larger movement for re-directing education and training for change. This change is one that builds on an equitable society and economy and on sustainable development principles and values such as respect for others, respect for difference and diversity, exploration and dialogue.

Work-related learning (WRL) is a topic of steadily increasing interest to today’s vocational education institutions as well as organizations in business and industry. This book derives from an international HRD conference held at the University of Twente, The Netherlands. Key papers from the conference have been combined with other high-standard contributions. Together they offer an international collection of leading edge research. The book brings together contributors from various parts of the EU and the USA and includes examples of good practice and recent research on work-related learning. Work-related learning can be broadly seen to be concerned with all forms of education and training closely related to the daily work of (new) employees, and is increasingly playing a central role in the lives of individuals, groups or teams and the agenda’s of organizations. However, as this area of study becomes more prominent, debates have opened about the nature of the field, as well as about its configurations and effects. For example, some authors have a broad definition of WRL and define it as learning for work, at work and through work, ranging from formal, through semi-structured to informal learning. Others prefer to use the concept of WRL mainly in connection to informal, incidental learning processes during work, leading to competent workplace learners. Formal and informal learning are distinguished from each other with respect to the level of intention (implicit/non-intentional/incidental versus deliberative/intentional/structured). Another point of discussion originates from the different ‘theoretical backgrounds’ of the authors: the ‘learning theorists’ versus the ‘organizational theorists’. The first group is mainly interested in the question of how learning comes about; the second group is predominantly interested in the search for factors affecting learning. This book is essential reading for practitioners, researchers, teachers and students in the HRM and HRD field as well as in the field of VET.

This report constitutes an exploratory study of the submerged mass of learning which takes place informally and implicitly. It considers the importance of informal lerning in the formation of knowledge and skills and policies to widen participation.

In this volume, the authors treat flexibility as a system characteristic of Vocational Education and Training (VET), in analyzing key conditions for flexibility: -economic context of VET and the organizational and institutional design of VET; -educational tools and resources for the flexibility of delivery and pathways at national level; -VET professionals as promoters of flexibility, mobility, and transferability.

Informal learning has become an extremely important issue as post-industrial workplaces seek to harness its productive potential. Managers and HRD practitioners have attempted to deploy informal learning in the design of corporate cultures, however, most discussions of the subject have tended to be uncritical expositions which do not challenge the underlying economic, philosophical and organisational rationale. Uniquely, this book goes against this tendency. It critically examines definitions of informal learning, and focuses on its application in a variety of workplace contexts. It features: * theories of informal learning * the unmasking of contemporary corporate rhetoric * the implications for accounts of workplace learning of poststructuralist and post-modern perspectives. Incorporating case studies based on interviews with practising managers and HRM practitioners, and a detailed glossary of key concepts and issues, this book will be a valuable reference for students of workplace learning.

"This anthology brings together basic facts and features about basic learning needs and skills of people working and living in the informal economy and presents case studies from different countries examining educational and training strategies for meeting these learning needs. It portrays the grave problems facing educational and training systems vis-á-vis informal sector workers, even as they look at holistic solutions that take into account principles of lifelong learning and innovations in informal, non-formal and formal adult learning, and show a growing awareness that education is a human right of fundamental significance to promoting decent work and humane living conditions. The size, diversity, and the strength and sheer tenacity of workers and owners in the informal sector as well as the stress on globalisation and technological changes have combined to bring about a reappraisal of the links between education and training and the informal labour market. The book looks at the interlinkages between EFA and work and takes the stance that promoting the right to basic education is crucial for overcoming oppression and indecent working conditions. Basic education in its current state is not imparting the necessary skills for entry to the labour market. In view of this gap, the case studies pose the crucial question of what essential skills and which basic learning needs have to be addressed for productive and decent work. Although this book mainly provides cases of learning programmes for the informal economy in countries in South Asia, Latin America and Egypt, the lessons learnt have much to offer to researchers, policy makers and practitioners working in other parts of the world".