What is non-formal learning? �������������������������������������������������������������������������

Unlike formal learning (which takes place in formal and structured environments like schools) and informal learning (i.e. spontaneous learning that takes place in everyday life), non-formal learning is a typology of educational intervention planned and devised by an educator, youth worker or trainer, who acts as a facilitator in a learning process. Non-formal learning is characterized by “learning by doing”, as learners learn first and foremost from the concrete situations they experience. The learner and the facilitator develop knowledge and skills together in a horizontal relationship while tackling attitudes and values that shape their future behaviours and actions.

Some of the main features that distinguish non-formal learning are:

Î Centrality of the participant, which is the point of departure and arrival of every activity;

Î Voluntary participation, based on the free choice of the learner;

Î Activities are process-oriented and not result-oriented;

Î Global learning, which affects not only the cognitive aspects but also the emotional and relational ones;

Î Learning develops in interaction between participants - who are guided by the facilitators in a “horizontal” relationship;

Î Experiential learning is what characterizes the group work- emotions, ideas and results emerge out of experience, and encourage debate.