Informal Learning
A New Model for Making Sense of Experience

In much of the developed world, learning is synonymous with the formal, structured processes that involve teachers, lecturers or trainers. Yet it is experience that is by far the most influential teacher that any of us will have, from the very first moment we are born. Lloyd Davies puts forward a new way of looking at experiential learning; a model that identifies the elements, and points to some of the dynamics. The book highlights the characteristics that are common to the learning process, explains how we learn from experience and why each of us sees our experiences in different ways and, consequently, learns different lessons. It provides advice and guidance on how each of the various elements of the process can be used to greater effect, both for individual and group learning, as well as in mentoring and counselling. The book, which is based on the author's research, is written for a wide readership that includes both learning practitioners and students. If individuals and the organizations within which they work, as students or as employees, understand the basis on which they learn and can turn the process from a passive to an active one, the implications for their development are profound. Lloyd Davies' model for Informal Learning provides a relevant, flexible and significant tool that can offer a sea-change in the way we all learn.

Contents: Preface; Introduction; Earlier writers; An outline of the model; Expectations; Emotions; Opportunity; Learning orientation; Memory; Observations of experience; Formal knowledge and our own experience; Reflection and insight; Credibility checking our experience bank; Possible uses for model; Bibliography; Index.

Professional Practice & Development

Prior to his retirement, Lloyd Davies was Head of HR at Yorkshire Water, later Kelda PLC a FTSE 100 company, and was extensively involved in recruitment and development of directors and senior managers. He has worked as a Visiting Fellow at Leeds Business School, primarily with CEOs and MDs of SMEs, engaged on workplace projects.