Carol Rehtmeyer of TX is a strong supporter of education – though often associated with formal settings such as schools and universities, some of the most powerful learning experiences happen outside of these formal settings, through informal learning. When done right, informal education can inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. In this article, Carol Rehtmeyer explores the importance of informal education and how it can cultivate a passion for learning.

Formal education has long been considered the most effective way to gain knowledge and skills. However, the traditional classroom setting is not the only place where learning can take place.

Informal education, or learning outside of a structured classroom environment, is becoming more and more popular in recent years. In fact, many people believe that informal education can be just as effective, if not more so, than more structured learning.

Here, Carol Rehtmeyer of TX discusses why learning beyond the classroom is just as important as the structured halls of a formal educational setting.

Carol Rehtmeyer on Learning Beyond the Classroom

What drives informal learning? Informal learning is often more spontaneous, driven by someone’s own curiosity and interests. Additionally, individuals may choose their own topics, set their own goals, and investigate on their own terms.

Carol Rehtmeyer of TX says that unlike formal education, which can be limiting due to a set curriculum and strict guidelines, informal learning allows individuals to explore their passions and absorb at their own pace. While this may sound like allowing students to teach themselves, there are dozens of benefits to the concept.

When used hand in hand with formal education, the skills learned in personal, ‘free time’ study can be applied to a classroom setting at any level. When students are engaging with their passions, they’ll usually feel more relaxed. This can help students destress after a long day.

Benefits of Informal Education

There are many benefits to informal education. One of the main advantages is the pure flexibility it offers. Informal education can take place anywhere, at any time. It can happen in a library, a museum, or even in one’s own backyard. With the rise of the internet and the availability of online courses, informal education has become even more accessible.

Carol Rehtmeyer of TX explains that another benefit of informal education is that it can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs and interests. For example, someone who is interested in photography can learn from online tutorials, attend photography workshops, or join a photo club. This type of individualized learning can be more engaging and lead to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Self-Directed Learning: Why It Counts

A benchmark element of informal education is self-directed learning.

Carol Rehtmeyer of TX reports that presenting an inquiry-driven approach to the aquisition of knowledge, self-directed learning (SDL) is critical in every stage of education, from the first day of pre-school to the final hours of a college graduation. The end goal with self-directed learning is to place the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of learning on the student’s shoulders.

The aim of self-directed learning is to empower a student to approach an educational scenario with the right goals in mind. Done right, they’ll be able to understand what resources are at hand in terms of strategy. They can also self-validate their learning – another crucial element in development.

With SDL, students harness their education and pour their own time and effort into things that interest them within the realm of learning and development.

In a modern secondary school classroom, educators sometimes feel contempt towards this concept. However, the exploratory and self-testing nature of SDL can be easily applied within secondary and higher-education settings.

Carol Rehtmeyer of TX says that teaching students how to self-direct their learning experience will make mentor or teacher directed learning easier – and more effective.

Practicality of Informal Education

Furthermore, informal education can be more practical than formal education in a classroom. It allows individuals to gain real-world experience and apply what they have learned in a hands-on setting. This can be especially useful in fields such as medicine, engineering, and the arts.

Carol Rehtmeyer of TX says that while informal education may not always lead to a degree or certification, it can still be highly valuable when used in conjunction with traditional schooling. It can facilitate personal growth, new hobbies, and improved job skills. In fact, many employers value informal education and look for candidates who have a diverse range of experiences and knowledge.

Conclusion

Informal education offers many benefits that cannot be found in a traditional classroom setting. It provides flexibility, individualization, practical experience, and personal growth. By embracing informal education, individuals can expand their knowledge and skills in ways they never thought possible.