instruction that typically occurs in association with a recognized educational institution or training organization that involves structured/designed courses and programs of instruction.

In einer ersten Näherung wird das institutionalisierte und strukturierte Lernen unter Anleitung und mit Zertifizierung, wie es beispielsweise in den Schulen üblich ist, als formales Lernen bezeichnet.

Lernen, das üblicherweise in einer Bildungs- oder Ausbildungseinrichtung stattfindet, (in Bezug auf Lernziele, Lernzeit oder Lernförderung) strukturiert ist und zur Zertifizierung führt. Formales Lernen ist aus der Sicht des Lernenden zielgerichtet.

Qualifizierung in geplanten Lernprozessen mit vorgegebenen Lernzielen, -inhalten und -zeiten mit einer Zertifizierung. Formelles Lernen bildet das Fundament betrieblicher Qualifizierungssysteme, weil es sicherstellt, dass die Mitarbeiter bestimmte Mindestqualifikationen entwickeln.

A new model, called the “flipped classroom,” is opening the door to new approaches. The flipped classroom uses the abundance of videos on the Internet to allow students to learn new concepts and material outside of school, thus preserving class time for discussions, collaborations with classmates, problem solving, and experimentation.

Formal learning is accomplished in school, courses, classrooms, and workshops. It's official, it's usually scheduled, and it teaches a curriculum. Most of the time, it's top-down: learners are evaluated and graded on mastering material someone eise deems important. Those who have good memories or test well receive gold stars and privileged placement. Graduates receive diplomas, degrees, and certificates.

The institutionally sponsored provision of learning – that is, learning that is structured and often assessed and credentialised. There is a wide range of formal education, most obviously the compulsory forms of school-based learning for children and young people. Similar types of formal post-compulsory learning also exist through colleges, universities and various types of distance education. Formal education can also be found outside of schools and universities, in adult education and work-based training settings.

The approach is not a panacea, and designing an effective blended learning model is key, but the growing success of the many nontraditional alternatives to schools that are using more informal approaches indicates that this trend is here to stay for some time.

Formal learning is like riding a bus: the driver decides where the bus is going; the passengers are along for the ride. Informal learning is like riding a bike: the rider chooses the destination, the speed, and the route. The rider can take a detour at a moment's notice to admire the scenery or go to the bathroom.

Ironically, 80 percent of corporate spending goes to formal learning and only 20 percent to informal. To teil you the truth, I pulled this figure out of thin air; it feels right. I'm aware of how much corporations spend on learning management Systems, instructional design, tuition reimbursement, instructor salaries, classrooms, and courseware. I don't know the tab for meetings, conference attendance, professional dues, pool tables, beer busts, expertise locator Software, watercooler meetings, and other informal learning investments.