Formal Learning Processes Research Articles

Exploring and crossing boundaries in education – tinkering as an approach to breaching children’s formal and informal learning processes

This article explores the integration of tinkering as an approach to learning and teaching in the context of two Danish public schools. Tinkering, traditionally associated with informal learning, is examined for its potential to widen participation, and align with informal learning processes within a formal educational setting. The study, part of the larger Tech&Play project, investigates the characteristics of tinkering in formal learning settings and examines the roles of children and teachers in tinkering processes. The article introduces the Positioning Wheel, a reflection tool, to understand the roles and positions of children and teachers in experimental learning practices. It combines this with the Facilitation Field Guide developed by the Tinkering Studio to create a pedagogical and didactical framework. The findings indicate that tinkering encourages diverse participation and engagement, particularly in cross-curricular and thematic approaches. However, challenges arise in sustaining the tinkering approach within longer lesson plans and subject-specific contexts. The study suggests that while tinkering enhances motivation and flexibility in formal learning, further experiments are needed to fully explore its potential within the formal education system. The Positioning Wheel proves useful in analyzing the positioning of learners, emphasizing the importance of dynamic roles in pedagogical practices.

Pendekatan “Kasih Sayang" dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab di Pondok Pesantren

This research was motivated by the results of a survey of researchers at the Islamic boarding school Majlis Tafsir Al-Quran Mojogedang, which applies the Kuliiyatul mu'alliminal Islamiyah (KMI) system, which requires students to discipline in official languages combined with the philosophy of the "Compassion" approach in formal and non-formal teaching and learning processes. This study aims to describe the pattern of the "Compassion" approach in Arabic learning in this cottage. Descriptive qualitative research with field research methods is used to achieve this goal. The subjects in this study were lodge leaders, KMI directors, teachers' Language Section (LAC), santri Language Section (CLI). Data is collected through observations, interviews, and documentation after the data is obtained, analyzed, and conclusions are drawn. The conclusion drawn from this study is that the Compassion Approach in language learning has been the foundation since the beginning of the Language learning system, starting from Planning, Organizing, Actuating, controlling, and Evaluating, the formation of a mature language system is the love of the lodge towards the students represented by the entire Language Advisory Board. Language activities such as Ilqa al-Mufrodāt, Muḥādaśah, Muḥādarah, Language Court, and Language Extracurricular Activities have become a means of "affection" for students in MTA Islamic boarding schools where these activities there is a pattern of compassion education patterns that have been arranged in such a way as responsibility, example, and non-violence.

DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATIONAL TOURISM ATTRACTION SEKARMUKTI ECO-AGRO IN PANGSAN TOURIST VILLAGE, PETANG, BADUNG

Badung Regency is one of the regions in Bali with abundant tourist attractions. It is also the area where the Local Original Revenue (PAD) is predominantly generated from the tourism sector. This is because Badung has a wide variety of attractions that are popular among tourists, making tourists willing to spend their money in the Badung Regency area. One of the tourist villages, Pangsan, offers attractive natural attractions such as rafting, cycling, and trekking, with the potential for development that can be packaged into attractive tourism packages. This research was conducted through observations and literature studies using various documents. The results of the research show that the knowledge about rural areas in formal learning processes is not as comprehensive as the real conditions in the field. Utilizing the tourism potential and providing education through activities such as planting ornamental plants, fruits, and vegetables is an effective means of educating and providing experiences for both domestic and international tourists.

Developing a digital tutor as an intermediary between students, teaching assistants, and lecturers

Individualized learning support is an essential part of formal educational learning processes. However, in typical large-scale educational settings, resource constraints result in limited interaction among students, teaching assistants, and lecturers. Due to this, learning success in those settings may suffer. Inspired by current technological advances, we transfer the concept of chatbots to formal educational settings to support not only a single task but a full lecture period. Grounded on an expert workshop and prior research, we design a natural language-based digital tutor acting as an intermediary among students, teaching assistants, and lecturers. The aim of the digital tutor is to support learners automated during the lecture period in natural language-based chat conversations. We implement a digital tutor in an iterative design process and evaluate it extensively in a large-scale field setting. The results demonstrate the applicability and beneficial support of introducing digital tutors as intermediaries in formal education. Our study proposes the concept of using digital tutors as intermediaries and documents the development and underlying principles.

Learning in the Force Protection Environment between International Operations: Last-Minute Learning

This study considers learning in international military operations. It explores these questions: What are the obstacles to learning in a military context? How did these obstacles manifest themselves in contribution made by the Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) in Mali? How effective in overcoming these obstacles were the formal and informal learning processes that took place? And what does this tell us about how learning might be improved in a military context? Norway has supported the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) since 2013. The RNoAF contribution began in January 2016 and continued periodically until May 2021. The contribution consisted of a Hercules C130 transport aircraft with crew and other support personnel. The detachment from Norway consisted of approximately 60–70 women and men with backgrounds in various fields of expertise (aviators, navigators, cargo masters, technicians, security personnel, and other support personnel) required to execute the mission. Based on in-depth interviews of key personnel, this study looks at learning that took place among the various constellations of personnel from the force protection responsible for security during the operation. Much of the learning took place through last-minute efforts because of tight schedules and other pressing tasks. The study has resulted in a conceptual model for facilitating and better supporting the acquisition of knowledge through a continuous process rather than at the last minute. This will require top-down and bottom-up processes, both formal and informal.

Informal learning for employees’ protection behavior in organizations

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the impact of informal and formal learning processes on protection behavior with a focus on the role of resilience as a potential mediator.Design/Methodology/ApproachUsing web-based survey questionnaires on informal and formal learning, protection behavior, and resilience the survey collected information from 329 employees working in various organizations in India. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze employees’ protection behavior in protecting organization resources.FindingsFindings indicate that informal learning has a significant positive effect on employees’ protection behavior, in protecting organization information. Further, resilience is found to be having a small mediation effect on informal learning and protection behavior relationships. Formal learning has no impact on employees’ protection behavior.Originality/valueOne of the scarce empirical research works that have substantiated the informal learning effect on organization protection behavior among employees.Practical implicationsInformal learning increasing the protection behavior has implications for the organizations in promoting social interactions. Formal learning not impacting protection behavior implies that organizations may reduce the expenses of sending their employees to formal training on information protection behavior.

Language Tests, Motivation, and Demotivation: A Complex Relationship

<p style="text-align:justify">Tests are an integral part of most formal language learning processes, exerting far-reaching effects on many aspects of language learning. Among other things, tests affect language learning motivation (LLM), an element that is fundamental to many learning contexts. However, little attention has been paid to how tests affect LLM and what the pedagogical implications may be. Using qualitative semi-structured interviews with 20 adolescent Arab learners, this study attempts to explore how and when tests can motivate or demotivate language learners. It also examines the main strategies learners deploy to cope with the demotivating experiences associated with test taking. The data suggest that tests have the potential to both motivate and demotivate learners before, during, and after taking a test. Additionally, the results reveal several strategies that learners employ to cope with demotivation. This leads to a discussion regarding pedagogical implications on how to effectively employ tests to increase learners’ motivation and decrease their demotivation. </p>

Communicative Approach in Psycholinguistic Analysis in Arabic Learning

This psycholinguistic study has two characters, namely psycho and linguistic which discusses the behavior of children in language. The research uses a literature study method that comes from relevant literature sources. The results of the study focused on the application of learning Arabic through a communicative approach without eliminating the psycholinguistic system. In both formal and informal learning processes, the psycholinguistic process works to acquire language knowledge through learning. So that this interdisciplinary can lead educators to understand the processes that occur within each student that is faced when they try to understand and provide understanding. Materials in language learning are presented in class. The objectives of this study include students being able to understand Arabic easily, especially in a communicative approach to the ability to speak Arabic both as a whole and students being able to understand theories from psycholinguistic experts in Arabic learning, then linked with a communicative approach with the aim that students are able to communicate properly and appropriately using Arabic.

Organisational learning during the Donbas War: the development of Ukrainian Armed Forces lessons-learned processes

ABSTRACT This article examines the development and performance of formal organisational learning processes in the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) during the Donbas War (2014-present). Through original empirical research conducted with UAF personnel and documentary analysis, the article develops understanding about the detail of UAF lessons-learned processes and their effectiveness in helping to recalibrate UAF activities to operational demands. The article finds that the performance of UAF lessons-learned processes during the Donbas War has, on the whole, been poor. Since the escalation of Russian aggression in 2014, some positive steps which have been taken to implement best-practices in UAF lessons-learned processes. However, the article uncovers a number of organisational activities, structures and processes which could be improved to weaken the negative impact of bureaucratic politics and organisational culture on learning. It concludes with recommendations for the further development of UAF lessons-learned processes. The article highlights the particular importance of improving the capacity of the civilian leadership to exert effective oversight of military learning and of US and NATO support for these efforts.

The Aspects of Smart Education in The World

The author examines smart education and its basic principles in this article. The author also shows that smart education is a learning process in which technology innovations and Internet resources are used globally. After all, it allows students to gain professional competence based on a systematic multivariate vision and study of disciplines, taking into account their multidimensional and continuous content updating. The author shows the concept of smart education. It is the creation of an intellectual environment, the continuous development of competencies of participants in the educational process, including formal and informal learning processes based on innovative technologies. Thus, the introduction of smart technologies in education will lead to the transition from the old system of reproductive knowledge to a new, creative form of learning using innovative methods and will provide the necessary knowledge and skills which will be necessary for the student in the future. The author also notes that education based on three educational activities, namely, arithmetic, reading, and writing, transforms into education which improves the following seven skills: creativity and innovation; communication; cross-cultural understanding; collaboration and leadership; critical thinking and problem solving; ICT literacy; career and life skills. These are seven skills and abilities of smart education in the 21st century. In this case, smart education assumes that the teacher should use technological innovations and Internet resources. Thus, smart education provides new opportunities for teachers to share experiences and ideas, do more research activities, personalize the course of study depending on its tasks and the competence of the listener, and save time.

Autonomía en el aprendizaje ¿aspiración educativa o realidad? el impacto del proceso formativo escolar

This article analyzes the concepts and characteristics of autonomy, autonomous learning and self-regulated learning, the ways in which they can be favored in students, the conditions that benefit or hinder the development of this type of learning, as well as the function and contribution they have in the learning process; finally, an intervention proposal is presented in order to reorient teaching practices. The objective was to investigate the factors of formal and non-formal learning processes that affect autonomous development, promoters of independent learning and self-efficacy beliefs, as well as the meanings and practices that teacher-students have around this type of learning. This work is the product of a mixed methodological approach research that addresses the postgraduate level students of the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional (Mexico) who are teachers of basic education. Among the findings we identify a clear relationship between the type of education, the parenting discipline and the development of an academic autonomy, so we presume that the educational aspiration to train autonomous subjects is not the exclusive responsibility of the school, however, the teaching practice has great relevance in promoting autonomous development processes.

Numeracy practices and vulnerability in old age: interdependencies and reciprocal effects

In this paper we discuss individual numeracy practices of older people (age cohort 65 and above), concentrating on findings concerning interdependencies of numeracy practices and vulnerability and their reciprocal effects, drawing on first results of a qualitative, explorative study entitled ‘Numeracy as social practice in the course of time’. For this paper, we examine the issue of vulnerability in relation to dimensions such as financial and economic situation, health and social embeddedness. Drawing on the concept of ‘numeracy as social practice’ according to Baker and Street (International encyclopedia of adult education and training, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1996), we focus on the strategies of older people using numeracy practices and skills to lead independent, self-determined and autonomous lives, to experience individual life satisfaction and to avoid vulnerable situations. The findings, derived from in-depth interviews with the above-mentioned cohort, show that various meanings are attributed to numeracy practices in response to certain requirements and needs concerning personal well-being, as well as anticipating developments such as biographical transitions. We discuss how mathematical knowledge and skills are applied when transformed into individual numeracy practices. Our findings, which demonstrate the creative and meaningful use of numeracy practices according to personal needs, are then discussed within the scope of formal teaching and learning processes in basic adult education.

Firm size and workplace learning processes: a study of the restaurant sector

PurposeThe purpose of this paper asks how workplace learning environments change as firm size increases, and how employees respond to this. In doing so, it looks beyond an exclusive focus on formal training and incorporates more informal, work-based learning processes.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a comparative, qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with an under-researched group of workers – waiting for staff in restaurants. The data were collected from six restaurants of different sizes.FindingsAs formally instituted human resource development (HRD) structures expand as firm size increases are more extensive in larger firms, this leaves less room for individual choice and agency in shaping the learning process. This does not inevitably constrain or enhance workplace learning, and can be experienced either negatively or positively by employees, depending on their previous working and learning experiences.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research on HRD and workplace learning should acknowledge both formal and informal learning processes and the interaction between them – particularly in small and growing firms. Insights are drawn from the sociomaterial perspective help the authors to conceptualise this formality and informality. Research is needed in a wider range of sectors.Practical implicationsThere are implications for managers in small, growing firms, in terms of how they maintain space for informal learning as formal HRD structures expand, and how they support learners who may struggle in less structured learning environments.Originality/valueThe paper extends current understanding of how the workplace learning environment – beyond a narrow focus on “training” – changes as firm size increases.

Digital Learning Technologies in Processes of Innovation and Democratic Change? – Reflections and Questions

Innovation with digital technologies in formal teaching and learning processes with the purpose of educating learners to become global citizens suffers from inertia. In particular, when it comes to innovation with digital technologies within processes of collaboration and dialogue. It seems that digital dialogue in education utilized for democratic change appears a complex challenge to address. However, historically, new technological innovations have often been rejected. It takes a long time to become accustomed to new technology and to realise its advantages, let alone to be actively utilized (Castells, 1998). Regardless of attitudes towards technology in general, the arguments have been strong for preparing learners for a future in a society permeated with digital technologies.

‘My Favorite Song’: understanding a music learning ecology of children from interaction among media, family and school contexts

AbstractIn the present case study, we used observation and interviews to investigate the musical experience of a group of children of 3–4 years old. We look into the uniqueness of music in the child’s environment which belongs to the media, family and school contexts. The present study allows us to understand some implications of musical experiences for building social identity and the need to link formal music learning processes with those taking place in non-formal and informal spaces. Through this paper, we provide a vicarious experience that will enable the reader to understand our findings and raise new questions and interpretations.

La doble visión de la educación permanente

A lo largo de los últimos años se ha producido un debate en relación al concepto de educación permanente. Muchas veces este se ha reducido de una manera funcionalista, aunque debería estar más relacionado tanto con procesos de educación formal como de educación no formal e informal. Constatamos como la educación a lo largo de la vida instrumentaliza y emancipa al mismo tiempo, por tanto podemos aproximarnos a este concepto desde una doble perspectiva. La primera se centra en explotar los recursos económicos y culturales en las sociedades occidentales. La segunda es una visión más centrada en la ciencia de la educación, en los actores sociales individuales y en su biograficidad. Este trabajo se centra en las tensiones que se dan entre estas dos perspectivas.

LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE XXI CENTURY: THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED THE SCENARIO OF LEARNING PROCESSES OR ONLY GAVE THE APPEARANCE OF MODERNITY?

It is considered in the context of this article the growing scientific development, fast and complex contemporary society, the profile of the students of the 21st century and, consequently, the demands of Higher Education arising from this reality. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze whether the use of ICT and the resources derived from them have resulted in effective changes in the formal scenario of the teaching and learning processes of Higher Education or only offer an appearance of updating. The research carried out is a systematic review of the literature, in which key words were searched in journals indexed with scientific databases relevant to the scientific community, which allowed the identification of practices related to the requirements prioritized in the analysis proposed from published articles in scientific. 62 articles were selected from a primary sample of 450 located from a systematic search process. We present the public that compose the main sample groups of the revised works, the percentage of intentional and occasional learning in them, the types of practices and resources most used and the resources most used for the formal learning processes in Higher Education. It is highlighted if the existence of practices related to the informational construction of knowledge is still present but demonstrating a strong tendency towards more formative practices of knowledge construction. The results showed a complex scenario of apparent transition, in which most of the research is quantitative, focused on the protagonism of the students (learning processes) and highlights the heterogeneity and update of
 technological resources to promote the teaching and learning processes of different contents, methodologies and strategies. Although informative practices and occasional learning outcomes are still present, the emphasis is placed on the predominance, on an ascending scale, of formative, intentional, and propositional practices. Also on a growing scale it is observed that the methodologies and strategies used, which use ICT, are promoting changes in the teaching and learning processes, since the traditional contents appear permeated or accompanied by several skills and competences identified as closer to the student of the 21st century.

Healing bruises: Identity tensions in a beginning teacher’s use of formal and informal music learning

The purpose of this narrative case study was to describe the developing teacher identity of Nicole Downing, a first-year teacher in the US, in her use of both formal and informal learning processes. As music education continues embracing approaches like informal music learning, it should also reflect on the voices of teachers in the field. Data collection included interviews, observations, and participant writings. Findings revealed that Nicole (a) questioned and eventually accepted her music teacher identity, (b) exhibited a dualism between her use of formal and informal music learning processes, and (c) broadened her community’s definition of school music. Nicole used the metaphor of a bruise to describe how she believed some in her undergraduate studies would judge her interest in popular music and creative musicianship, but as she became a music teacher she had agency to incorporate the informal learning she valued. Nicole exhibited a duality in her use of formal and informal learning processes, which were not integrated in her teaching. Ultimately, she developed a broadened definition of school music that she believed was beneficial for students but perceived negatively by other music teachers. Music teacher education should support teachers’ diverse identities and continue to explore the teaching strategies used in facilitating informal music learning experiences.

Don't abandon hope all ye who enter here: The protective role of formal mentoring and learning processes on burnout in correctional officers.

Within a Job Demands-Resources Model framework, formal mentoring can be conceived as a job resource expressing the organization's support for new members, which may prevent their being at risk for burnout. This research aims at understanding the protective role of formal mentoring on burnout, through the effect of increasing learning personal resources. Specifically, we hypothesized that formal mentoring enhances newcomers' learning about job and social domains related to the new work context, thus leading to lower burnout. In order to test the hypotheses, a multiple regression analysis using the bootstrapping method was used. Based on a questionnaire administered to 117 correctional officer newcomers who had a formal mentor assigned, our results confirm that formal mentoring exerts a positive influence on newcomers' adjustment, and that this in turn exerts a protective influence against burnout onset by reducing cynicism and interpersonal stress and also enhancing the sense of personal accomplishment. Confirming previous literature's suggestions, supportive mentoring and effective socialization seem to represent job and personal resources that are protective against burnout. This study provides empirical support for this relation in the prison context.

Exploring informal workplace learning in primary healthcare for continuous professional development

Background and objectives: All health and social care professionals learn on the job through both formal and informal learning processes, which contributes to continuous professional development (CPD). This study explored workplace learning in General Practices, specifically looking at the role of informal learning and the workplace practices that appear to support or restrict that learning, as well as how technology was integrated into these learning processes.Methods: Three focus groups with general practitioners, practice nurses, managerial and administrative staff were conducted followed by twelve individual semi-structured interviews with participants drawn from the focus groups. Three observations of multi-disciplinary team meetings were used to establish potential team-based learning activities.Results: Triggers for informal workplace learning included patients presenting challenging or unusual conditions; exposure to others’ professional practice; and policy driven changes through revised guidance and protocols. By exploring how these triggers were acted upon, we identified mechanisms through which the primary care workplace supports or restricts informal learning through working practices, existing technologies and inter-professional structures.Conclusion: Informal workplace learning was identified as arising from both opportunistic encounters and more planned activities, which are both supported and restricted through a variety of mechanisms. Maximising informal learning opportunities and removing barriers to doing so should be a priority for primary care practitioners, managers and educators.