TVETipedia Glossary

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.
Source: UNESCO 1984, Global

Unstructured education/training that takes place outside the formal education/training system.
Source: ILO 2006, Global

Learning resulting from daily activities related to work, family or leisure. It is not organised or structured in terms of objectives, time or learning support. Informal learning is in most cases unintentional from the learner’s perspective.
Source: CEDEFOP 2008, Europe

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.
Source: Wahba 2013, Global

(Informal education)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.
Source: Ministry of Labour 2005, Jordan