Research article management

This article/report came through my Google scholar alert this morning.

It very usefully defines the differences, advantages/disadvantages between formal, informal and non-formal learning. Going forward, we will need to work with our kaiako to identify what types of learning occur where, when and how as Te Pūkenga seeks ‘flexibility’ for ākonga across learning environments (f2f, on-campus, blended etc.) and contexts (online, on-job, off-job).

The article does not discuss ‘transfer of learning’ or ‘boundary crossing’. These are also important pedagogical concepts to support ākongas’ ‘experienced curriculum’ as they navigate back and forth between the cultures of formal and on-job/work-based learning.

I am keen to work with Te Ohu Whatahaere- ako, on the mechanisms required to ensure ākonga are provided with learning which prepares them for the complexities of learning across different environments and contexts.

Happy to discuss, Selena

Formal learning broadly
aligns with organised, institutionalised learning models (such as learning seen in schools),
whilst informal learning describes the everyday learning that people experience throughout
their lives, and which can go easily unrecognised. Non-formal learning is less clearly
understood. Despite its specific use in various cross-national policy contexts (e.g., Council of
Europe, 2022; OECD, n.d.), it is most easily understood in its negative sense,sense, i.e., as being
'not formal', so it is pertinent to explore its meaning.


better understanding of non-formal learning and to consider the methodological implications
for researching this type of learning.

Non-formal and informal learning are complex but powerful concepts, and they create a
tension for curriculum thinking. Non-formal and informal learning fit less well into narrow
curriculum models and require us to use a broad conceptualisation of curricula (i.e., one that
considers curricula to include all of the experiences of learners across their period of
education). Non-formal learning is a hybrid of the other forms of learning, meaning that it is
in the interaction of formal and informal elements that non-formality attains its special
character.