Hi Michela, you may find the following research papers helpful. Regards.

http://www.competences.info/doc/2006_01_12_en_Colardyn_Bjornavold_Validation_formal_non-formal_informal_learning.pdf

https://www.salto-youth.net/downloads/4-17-2694/GP_Tools-For-Learning-in-non-formal-educ_GB_130912_HD.pdf

http://www.eurodesk.it/sites/default/files/file/doc_pogiovanili/COE_formal_and_nonformal_education.pdf

http://www.techne-dib.com.br/downloads/6.pdf

Thanks a lot! Very useful links!

Hi Michela

This isn't an experimental study, but I was recently involved in a study on workplace-based learning which may be of interest.

Regards

David

Article The New South Wales Allied Health Workplace Learning Study: ...

Thanks a lot  David. As from the paper you sent I understand  that learning in the workplace can be classified, depending on known variables, as both  "formal" (intentional, structured and planned) and "informal" (unintentional, unstructured, unplanned). I wonder if the concept of "non-formal"  (intentional, +planned but "not explicitly designated as Learning" (CEDEFOP, 2008 )) also applies and to which specific  workplace  situations.

before providing a link, can I add my little bit. My view is that you have to start with your own conceptualisation of what informal learning means. Is it something that we consider as merely by the way and, therefore, inferior? Or do we agree with Coffield (2000) who notes that;

'Informal learning should no longer be regarded as an inferior form of learning whose main purpose is to act as the precursor of formal learning; it needs to be seen as fundamental, necessary and valuable in its own right, at times directly relevant to employment and at other times not relevant at all'. (Coffield 2000: 8)

I suggest that the conceptualisation will not only inform the outcome, but also the scope. Hence, as David noted, serious learning as that which occurs in the workplace can indeed be a part of the informal learning process. I suppose the greatest challenge has always been how to measure it. Nonetheless, there is an interesting write-up published via  Infed website. See the link below.

http://infed.org/mobi/informal-learning-theory-practice-and-experience/

This site might shed some light into non formal understanding

http://septemberuniversity.blogspot.com

I find this one useful: Non‐formal learning: mapping the conceptual terrain. A consultation report

http://infed.org/archives/e-texts/colley_informal_learning.htm

There are several, of which I select a few you can download:

http://www.col.org/forum/pcfpapers/spronk.pdf

http://pjp-eu.coe.int/documents/1017981/3084932/Pathways_II_towards_recognition_of_non-formal_learning_Jan_2011.pdf/6af26afb-daff-4543-9253-da26460f8908

http://infed.org/archives/e-texts/colley_informal_learning.htm

I hope they are not repeated and that you find them useful.