Work-related informal learning: research and practice in the Canadian context

This document is the result of a call from the Canadian Council on Learning’s Work and Learning Knowledge Centre (WLKC) for a synthesis research project on work-related informal learning in order to develop an evidence base about such learning. The objectives were to contribute to the development of a working definition of informal learning; describe the incidence and characteristics of work-related informal learning in Canada; discuss practices being used in Canada to support and/or assess work-related informal learning; map the field of practice in terms of key actors involved in work-related informal learning; and develop a knowledge exchange plan for WLKC with respect to work-related informal learning. The project was based on a literature review, combined with consultation with experts and stakeholders, including business, labour, educators, researchers and community trainers. The literature review was confined to the 2000-2008 timeframe. The consultation process involved inviting 100 stakeholders to complete an online survey, then doing follow-up discussions with selected respondents. The authors note that work-related informal learning is neither well defined nor well understood by key stakeholders. They also point out that the terminology used to describe work-related and informal learning is often unclear and overlapping.

Abstract from National Adult Literacy Database (NALD) website. Show less