Informal Learning at Work
ARI Research Grant
Information about the ARI Grant
Even though 70% to 90% of what we learn on the job occurs informally, researchers know relatively little about how this happens and how to promote it, especially at the team level.
Dr. Jason Randall and Dr. Stephanie Zajac are Co-Principal Investigators leading a research project supported by the Army Research Institute (ARI) to investigate these issues about informal learning in the workplace.
What is Informal Learning?
Informal Learning is defined as self-directed behaviors aimed at acquiring new knowledge and skills that take place outside of formally-designated learning contexts. Examples include observing or shadowing experts, asking a coworker or supervisor for help with a problem, experimenting with different methods to solve a repeating challenge, volunteering for a task outside of your defined job role, reflecting on your experience, and asking for feedback.
How you can participate in this study
We are currently conducting interviews with individuals who work in teams to gather information about informal learning. During this interview, we will ask you questions about past experiences you have had where you learned something informally (e.g., outside of formal guided training) at work.
Interview details:
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Time commitment: about 1 hour
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Compensation: $30 Amazon.com gift card
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Interview Method: all interviews will be conducted over Zoom. Click here to sign up for a free Zoom account if you do not have one.
To be eligibile to participate in the interview you must:
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be 18 years or older
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be fluent in English
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work at least part-time (20+ hours per week)
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have current or past experience working as part of a team
If you are interested and eligible to participate in this study, please click HERE to complete a short pre-interview screening and sign up for an available time slot.
Questions?
Email us at jgrandall.lab@gmail.com or jgrandall@albany.edu
This study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University at Albany, SUNY #19-E-176 and is supported by a U.S. Army Research Institute research grant, grant #W911NF-19-1-0142.