Any education or learning that is unplanned or unintended. It may occur through engaging in a task or activity or as a byproduct of planned education.

Grinnell College

- Unschooling
- Autodidactism/Self-Teaching
- Incidental Education
- Mentorship

Examples of Informal Education

Kelly S.W. (2012) Incidental Learning. In: Seel N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA.

Incidental Learning Definition

A form of informal education that advocates for learner-chosen activities as the means toward education instead of a teacher-created curriculum. Unschooling operates under the belief that if a child chooses what they want to learn, that education will be more meaningful and impactful.

Unschooling

Education without the guidance of a teacher or a formal institution. Autodidacts choose their subject of study, their studying materials, and the time necessary to complete their studies.

Autodidactism/Self-Teaching

Incidental Education

Education that occurs under the guidance and influence of an expert in a particular field.

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