Recognising non-formal and informal learning : outcomes, policies and practices

Summary: Although learning often takes place within formal settings and designated environments, a great deal of valuable learning also occurs either deliberately or informally in everyday life. Policymakers in OECD countries have become increasingly aware that non-formal and informal learning represents a rich source of human capital, that policies which recognize this can play a significant role in a coherent lifelong learning framework, and present practices can be improved to make the knowledge and competencies people acquire outside of formal schooling more visible. The challenge for policymakers is to develop processes for recognizing such learning, processes that will generate net benefits both to individuals and to society at large. This report, based on an OECD review in 22 countries, explores the advantages of recognizing non-formal and informal learning outcomes, takes stock of existing policies and practices, and recommends how to organize recognition of these learning systems.--Publisher's description.