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Informal Learning
Book

Informal Learning

Rediscovering the Natural Pathways That Inspire Innovation and Performance

Jay Cross
Pfeiffer, 2006

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Do people learn best by sitting in a classroom taking notes? Not according to “eLearning” expert Jay Cross. Instead, he says, companies should champion nontraditional, informal learning methods, including: “unconferences,” “unworkshops,” “eLearning,” “Courageous Conversations” and even “grokking” (sci-fi writer Robert A. Heinlein’s term for “instantaneous, holistic recognition” or understanding). Cross says properly presented informal learning programs can give your firm a better return on its training investment than formal learning. He explains why that is and how to use his approach. Despite some repetition and fluffy filler, getAbstract recommends this book to learning officers, training managers and human resources professionals who want to know more about setting up informal learning initiatives.

Take-Aways

  • Employees don’t need to sit through costly training programs in a classroom to learn.
  • Most workers dislike formal learning, which isn’t the best way for them to gain the knowledge they need.
  • Between 80% and 90% of actual workplace training uses informal learning.

About the Author

Adult learning expert Jay Cross is a columnist for Chief Learning Officer magazine. He coined the term “eLearning” and is the former CEO of the ELearning Forum.

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