Free resource: Informal learning tool

In a contribution published on our sister site TrainingZone, James McLuckie of Eden Tree put forward a tool to help companies harness the power of informal learning. 
 
Training professionals now recognise informal learning as the key to organisational development. Around 80% of all learning takes place independently of formal programmes.

But informal learning may not always be as effective as it could be. This article explains the processes and controls that need to be put in place to make the most of the learning resource. It also includes a diagnostic tool to help identify where informal learning is already taking place and how it can be made more effective.
 
Informal learning basics
Informal learning takes place spontaneously in day-to-day  exchanges in the workplace and is how most people learn to do their jobs. Management rarely has control over informal learning.

Rather than trying to control the process, management should seek to facilitate it by applying some of the following principles:
 
1. Find out how informal learning happens in the organisation
2. Promote informal learning
3. Provide high quality resources for informal learning
4. Develop and support subject matter experts
5. Create areas where knowledge can be easily added and updated
6. Create opportunities for informal learning to take place
7. Monitor and adjust

The downloadable Eden Tree informal learning diagnostic tool will help you put these principles into practice.

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