Our definition of informal learning is broad and the boundaries sometimes become unclear. We consider this breadth to be a great strength and key to enabling everyone to develop a love of learning. We want to create a clearer identify for informal adult learning and believe an important step towards achieving this is the development of a series of core principles. These are set out below.
Overarching principles of IAL
Informal adult learning is about:
- learning to know – becoming inspired, discovering and exploring, developing a passion for learning, acquiring knowledge and understanding of ourselves, our immediate world and beyond
- learning to do – gaining skills, confidence, competence and practical abilities
- learning to live together – learning tolerance, mutual understanding and interdependence, sharing the experience of learning with family and friends
- learning to be – developing ourselves, our mental and physical capacity, wellbeing and autonomy, and our ability to take control of our lives and influence the world around us
Principles for implementing informal adult learning policy
- Developing shared values and a shared vision of informal learning across the public, voluntary and private sectors
- Implementing the principles of inclusion, equality and diversity
- Building on good practice and welcoming innovation
- IAL is for everyone, including people who are on low incomes and/or have had the fewest opportunities
- Increasing access to, and use of, information technology, digital communication and new ways of learning
- Consulting, respecting and celebrating the success of individuals and organisations with a passion for adult learning
- Maximising the use of public and private resources, including spaces for learning
- Encouraging sustainability and building it into the learning offer
- Joining up with other relevant agendas, including formal learning, creative arts, sporting, environmental and cultural
Informal learning benefits individuals, families and communities by:
- building communities of active, confident, enthusiastic, critical, creative people, who also help others to learn
- promoting empowerment, civic participation and engagement
- contributing to mental and physical well being
- enabling individuals and groups to prepare for, and respond, to change
- supporting choice and diversity
- encouraging and supporting activities organised by people for themselves
- promoting access to information and signposting sources of impartial advice and guidance
- supporting social contact and independent living for older people and people with learning difficulties or disabilities
- stimulating all aspects of people’s lives, promoting intergenerational learning and improving employment prospects
