UNEVOC Connect

Learning resulting from daily life activities related to work, family or leisure. Informal learning is part of non-formal learning. It is often referred to as experiential learning and can to a certain degree be understood as accidental learning.

Unstructured education/training that takes place outside the formal education/training system.

The acquisition of knowledge and skills through experience, reading, social contact, etc.

(Informal education and training) Education and training where there is no clear definition of teacher and learner, or where individuals educate themselves.

Informal education is education that is not organised. Informal learning can be either intentional (e.g. participation in short lectures or reading books or journals) or unintentional (occurring by chance or as a by-product of everyday activities).

Organized education and training outside of the formal education system where learning is resulting from daily life activities related to work. It is often referred to as experiential learning i.e. learning in the form of awareness, knowledge or skills derived from experience, reading, social contact, etc. and can, to a certain degree, be understood as accidental learning. It is not structured in terms of learning objectives, learning time and / or learning support. Typically, it does not lead to certification.