You are here: Home / Statistics / Adult Education Survey 2022 / Informal Learning

Adult Education Survey 2022

Informal Learning

CSO statistical publication, 30 April 2024, 11am

This chapter examines participation in informal learning for adults.It examines the prevalence of informal learning activities among adult learners and explores the diverse range of methods adults utilise to acquire new knowledge and skills outside of formal educational settings.

Informal learning is defined as forms of learning that are intentional but are not institutionalised. It is consequently less organised and structured than either formal or non-formal education. Informal learning may include learning activities that occur in the family, workplace, local community and daily life.

Types of informal learning

More than half (54%) of individuals aged 25-69 reported engaging in informal learning.
Nine in ten (88%) of those who engaged in informal learning did so using electronic devices.
Almost one in five (19%) of those aged 55-69 reported to learn using guided tours in museums, historical or natural or industrial sites compared to just over one in ten (12%) of 35-44 year olds.
Employed persons aged 25-69 were twice as likely to have participated in Informal learning using Learning by visiting learning centres (including libraries) than those who were unemployed (14% versus 7%). See Figure 5.1 & Tables 2.1 & 5.1.

X-axis label	Male	Female
Using electronic devices (online or offline)	88	87
Using printed material (books, professional magazines, etc.)	39	42
From a family member, a friend or a colleague	34	39
Guided tours in museums, historical or natural or industrial sites	13	15
Visiting learning centres (including libraries)	12	15

Table 5.1 Persons aged 25-69 who participated in informal learning, classified by the type of informal learning, 2022

Next chapter: Learning Guidance

Why you can Trust the CSO

Learn about our data and confidentiality safeguards, and the steps we take to produce statistics that can be trusted by all.

go to trust & transparency

Table 5.1 Persons aged 25-69 who participated in informal learning, classified by the type of informal learning, 2022^1,2
% of persons aged 25-69 by method of learning
	Visiting learning centres (including libraries)	Using printed material (books, professional magazines, etc.)	Using electronic devices (online or offline)	From a family member, a friend or a colleague	Guided tours in museums, historical or natural or industrial sites
State	14	41	88	37	14

Sex
Male	12	39	88	34	13
Female	15	42	87	39	15

Age group
25-34	14	46	88	47	13
35-44	13	36	89	34	12
45-54	13	39	90	31	12
55-69	16	43	84	36	19

Region
Border	7	22	88	24	0
West	5	23	89	28	6
Mid-West	17	47	89	49	21
South-East	19	52	89	61	18
South-West	12	44	81	29	16
Dublin	16	44	89	33	16
Mid-East	12	39	89	30	12
Midland	11	38	84	51	9

Highest level of educational attainment
Higher secondary or below	14	33	85	40	11
Post Leaving Certificate	12	36	89	37	13
Third level non honours degree	11	41	87	28	15
Third level honours degree or higher	14	46	89	36	15

Principal economic status
Working for payment or profit	14	41	89	37	14
Unemployed	7	26	81	44	6
Other including retired or unable to work	19	43	85	31	15
Student or pupil	*	*	*	*	*
Engaged on home duties	10	39	86	42	16

Citizenship
Irish	14	40	87	37	14
Non-Irish	10	43	93	32	12
¹ See Background Notes for definition of survey population. Participation in informal learning occurred in the 12 months prior to the interview.
² Note that more than one type of informal learning may have been selected by respondents.
* Sample occurrence too small for estimation.

Adult Education Survey 2022

Informal Learning

Informal Learning

Types of informal learning

Contents

Related

Why you can Trust the CSO

Contact:

Links:

Careers

Follow: