PhD students’ conversations that lead to learning about teaching: the interplay of formal and informal learning

Abstract

ABSTRACT Both formal and informal learning activities contribute to learning about teaching. Formal learning occurs during pedagogical courses and may change teachers’ approaches to teaching. Informal learning in the form of conversations can also foster learning about teaching. This qualitative study explored the significance of a formal pedagogical course on informal conversations that led to learning about teaching. Twenty-five Estonian doctoral students participated in the study. The results indicated that formal learning has significance on informal learning in shaping conversations that led to learning about teaching. Specifically, the themes understanding the significance of talking about teaching and sharing insights about teaching were central in PhD students’ conversations.