Experiential Learning And Informal Learning

Amongst reading the materials about the learning theories, I came to the conclusion that the three most important learning experiences in my life were: experiential learning, which is the “process of learning through experience, and is more specifically defined as learning through reflection on doing" (Patrick, 2011, p. 1003), workplace learning which “helps employees to increase their skills and become stronger performers in their company”, and Informal learning which is the unofficial, unscheduled and/or impromptu way, most of us learn to do our jobs. Informal learning “is like riding a bicycle: the rider chooses the destination and the route. The cyclist can take a detour at a moment 's notice to admire the scenery or help a fellow rider” (Cross, 2014). Many people in a company contribute to the availability of workplace learning, “including professional trainers, organizational development specialists, human resource personnel and managers” (Bianca, 2015). Everything that I learned and experienced with each of these learning theories have influenced my life differently.

Experimental learning has affected my work life tremendously. Several jobs I had to learn by taking action on my own and observing

Moving from Brazil to the United States I did not speak, read, or write English so I had to learn on my own. At first it was difficult, but I had no choice. I was forced to learn so I could do most basic things. I set goals for myself and found different ways to learn. I bought books, listened to CD’s, bought grammar books made for first grade students, and listened and payed attention to how people talk. When it was time for me to talk, I was very afraid of making mistakes, especially when I was around Brazilians that I knew spoke English well. However, I knew that the most efficient way for me to learn was speaking and learning from my mistakes, so with time I overcame my