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Formal learning: Refers to learning through a programme of instruction in an educational institution, adult training centre or in the workplace, which is generally recognised in a qualification or a certificate.
Non-formal learning: Refers to learning through a programme but it is not usually evaluated and does not lead to certification.
Informal learning: Refers to learning resulting from daily work-related, family or leisure activities.
In 1996, the OECD education ministers agreed to develop strategies for 'lifelong learning for all'. The approach has been endorsed by ministers of labour, ministers of social affairs and the OECD Council at ministerial level. The concept of ‘from cradle to grave’ includes formal, non-formal, and informal learning. It is an approach whose importance may now be clearer than ever.
How far have we come? Typically, learning that occurs outside formal education is not well understood, made visible or appropriately valued. This hinders overall benefits of ‘lifelong learning for all’ by focusing only on learning outcomes from formal education, instead of valuing all types of learning outcomes or allowing portability of such outcomes between formal, non-formal and informal learning.
The recognition of non-formal and informal learning is an important means for making the ‘lifelong learning for all’ agenda a reality and, subsequently, for reshaping learning to better match the needs of the 21st century knowledge economies and open societies.
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