Formal, non-formal and informal learning: The case of literacy, essential skills and language learning in Canada

Though non-formal and informal learning methods have not been traditionally given the same importance and recognition as formal education, they have shown to be excellent methods for both children and adults when developing literacy or learning a second language. This paper shows, using various examples, the importance of these usually forgotten learning methods and their narrow link with formal education. This paper focuses on literacy and essential skills development and learning contexts in Canada providing examples that highlight how the acquisition of literacy and essential skills can be understood within the framework of non-formal and informal learning contexts, as well as their importance when developing skills in a new language different from the mother tongue. Finally, the paper reflects the changing attitudes towards the validity of less formal types of learning, and it is also mentioned the trend towards valuing non-formal and informal learning.