George Siemens reflects in Effort in the right place?:
…is learning best achieved through structure (created by those who define what a learner needs to learn) or through environment (fostered by an organization, but created by the learner)?
I know much learning needs to happen via structured processes (I don’t want a pilot or surgeon who taught themselves…), so perhaps it’s worth describing foundation learning (skills/competencies) as requiring structure…and maintenance learning (the skills/knowledge needed to stay current and grow in our work) as requiring environment. Structured learning happens for 4 – 8 years…maintenance learning happens throughout life…yet it seems most learning related activities are still geared towards structured learning. Sort of like trying to leverage the point that will produce minimal results (but is controllable), while leaving the point that will produce rapid results (but is more serendipitous…and hence less receptive to structure) untouched. Thoughts?
I would rather use formal and informal learning as those terms are better to catch the core difference between structure and environment: the issue of primary control over learning process. [Context: definitions+references, comparison between two forms, supporting informal learning]
Based on adult learning theories I assume that we may need both types at the same time:
Adults have a need to be treated as being capable of self-direction, but they can be or choose to be relatively dependent. Adults learn better if they are provided with sufficient support and guidance to complement their own level of dependency (Knowles, et al, pp.65, 135-139).
E.g. you would most likely want a pilot or surgeon who combined structured training with years of informal learning experiences.
As I already wrote I believe in interplay between those two forms: any structured intervention should be focused on releasing energy of learner and providing just enough focus and support to get though a learning experience. I also believe that people are smart enough to learn themselves :)))
Tags: informal learning, learningArchived version of this entry is available at http://blog.mathemagenic.com/2003/01/21.html#a419; comments are here.
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