Analytic Quality Glossary
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Citation reference: Harvey, L., 2004–11, Analytic Quality Glossary, Quality Research International, http://www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary/
This is a dynamic glossary and the author would welcome any e-mail suggestions for amendments or additions.
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core definition
Formal learning
is planned learning that derives from activities within a structured learning
setting.
explanatory context
Formal learning
is enrolling on a programme of study, attending lectures, preparing coursework,
engaging in seminar/tutorial discussions.
Formal learning
should not be confused with Ôformal learning theoryÕ, which, as the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy reminds us, is:
is the mathematical embodiment of a normative epistemology. It
deals with the question of how an agent should use observations about her
environment to arrive at correct and informative conclusions. É Terminology. Cognitive science and
related fields typically use the term "learning" for the process of
gaining information through observation Ñ hence the name "learning
theory". To most cognitive scientists, the term "learning
theory" suggests the empirical study of human and animal learning stemming
from the behaviourist paradigm in psychology. The epithet "formal"
distinguishes the subject of this entry from behaviourist learning theory.
Because many developments in, and applications of, formal learning theory come
from computer science, the term "computational learning theory" is
also common. Philosophical terms for learning-theoretic epistemology include "logical
reliability" (Kelly, 1996; Glymour, 1991) and "means-ends
epistemology" (Schulte, 1999).
analytical review
AEC (2004)
defines formal learning as:
Learning typically provided by education or training institutions. It is structured in terms of learning objectives, duration, content, method and assessment and leads to certification.
Merriam & Caffarella (1999, p.21) defines it as:
formal learning takes place in educational institutions and often leads to degrees or credit of some sort.
related terms
sources
Association europeenne des conservatoires [Academies de musique et musikhochschulen] (AEC), 2004, Glossary of terms used in relation to the Bologna Declaration http://www.aecinfo.org/glossary%20and%20faq%20english.pdf, accessed September 2004. Not available at this address 31 January 2011.
Glymour, C., 1991, ÔThe
hierarchies of knowledge and the mathematics of discoveryÕ, Minds and
Machines 1,
pp. 75Ð95.
Kelly, K., 1996, The Logic of Reliable Inquiry (Oxford, Oxford University
Press).
Merriam, S.B. and Caffarella, R.S., 1999, Learning in Adulthood. 2nd ed., Jossey-Bass.
Schulte, O., 1999,
ÔMeans-Ends EpistemologyÕ, The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science, 50, 1Ð31
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2002, Formal
Learning Theory, entry
by Oliver Schulte, http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/learning-formal/index.html#Sup,
accessed,14 March 2011.