Informal education is a general term for education that can occur outside of a traditional lecture or school based learning systems.[1] The term even include customized-learning based on individual student interests within a curriculum inside a regular classroom, but is not limited to that setting.[1] It could work through conversation, and the exploration and enlargement of experience. Sometimes there is a clear objective link to some broader plan, but not always. The goal is to provide learners with the tools they need to eventually reach more complex material.[2] It can refer to various forms of alternative education, such as unschooling or homeschooling, autodidacticism (self-teaching), and youth work.
Informal education can include accidental and purposeful ways of collaborating on new information.[2] It can be discussion-based and focuses on bridging the gaps between traditional classroom settings and life outside of the classroom.