The Learning Revolution
The boom in book clubs, on-line research and blogging, together with the continuing popularity of
museums, public lectures and adult education classes, all demonstrate that people in this country
have a passion for learning. They may not call it education, but this informal adult learning makes
a huge contribution to the well-being of the nation. It is a revolution this Government is proud to
foster and encourage.
Informal adult learning is taken up for its own intrinsic value. It encompasses a huge variety of
activities: it could be a dance class at a church hall, a book group at a local library, cookery skills
learnt in a community centre, a guided visit to a nature reserve or stately home, researching the
National Gallery collection on-line, writing a Wikipedia entry or taking part in a volunteer project to
record the living history of particular community.
Although informal learning can support the development of work-related skills, this movement is
made up of a kaleidoscope of part-time, non-vocational learning where the primary purpose isn’t
to gain a qualification. People participate for enjoyment and are driven by their desire for personal
fulfilment or intellectual, creative and physical stimulation.
Such activity also contributes to the health and well-being of communities by building the
confidence and resilience of the individuals involved. The social relationships that develop as a
result of this informal learning can provide networks of support and solidarity. For the low-skilled
and under-confident, informal learning can be an important stepping stone to further learning and
a more skilled future