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Working with Older Volunteers in Manual Intergenerational Projects
Formal / Non-formal Learning and Informal Learning
Formal learning usually takes place in educational or training institutions, it
is structured and goal-oriented, and usually concludes with a certificate. Nonformal
learning takes place outside of educational institutions, it does not
lead to certification, but nevertheless it is structured and goal-oriented. Informal
learning takes place in immediate life- and experiential contexts outside
institutions of formal education, it is not structured, it is non-intentionally,
and sometimes even self-controlled. 1
Senior citizens usually learn informally or non-formally – “traditional”
inter-generational learning, i.e. learning from each other within the family, is
mostly informal learning too. In international and intergenerational exchanges
along the lines of TRAMP formal learning does not play any role, next to
informal learning non-formal learning is more important.
Planning a (non-formal) preparatory unit with the group members before
the meeting is strongly recommended. On the one hand, expectations and
intentions can be discussed, on the other hand it is very helpful for the success
of the exchange if information about the project, the host country and the
hosts is passed on to the seniors. Intercultural training can also be useful, if it
is optional during the exchange. If sufficient time and money are available, a
mini language course can also be carried out.
This (non-formal) learning can certainly take place during the exchange as
well. A potential starting module would combine a round of introductions
with the clarification of expectations, it would be separated by generations, but
not by nationality. In a similar way modules on “Intercultural competence”
or “Intergenerational competence” might be installed and a short language
unit to develop a survival vocabulary could be planned. Especially languages
can be learned in many different ways in non-formal or informal processes.
Proposals are given in the methods section.
The model proposed by TRAMP is a combination of non-formal and informal
learning. We have assigned the cooperative work in manual work-oriented
sub-projects to the field of informal learning. In these projects old and
young participants get to know skills and competences as well as attitudes,
values and estimations of other European nations. For informal learning, only
the frame is given here. Whether intercultural competence is acquired in this
context, or merely existing prejudice is confirmed, whether an intergenerational
dialogue or monologue is led here, remains an open process. Therefore,
this informal process must be accompanied by non-formal learning, i.e. by
educational interventions. The more people learn informally during the exchange,
the more important it is to incorporate daily feedback rounds to
reflect on the day’s events, conduct a joint final evaluation and to schedule a
1 European Commission, DG Education and Culture, Directorate General for Employment
and Social Affairs: Commission Communication: Making a European area of lifelong
learning. November 2001
Set of Methods 97