Non-formal learning
Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is a non-formal education Movement. WAGGGS previously defined non-formal education as “a planned programme of personal and social education designed to improve a range of competencies, outside formal educational structures.” 4
Whilst this speaks to much of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout experience especially for young people, there is increasing recognition that more focus is needed on the learner’s intrinsic motivation, ownership of what and how they learn, to make sure it is relevant to their lives and needs. The term “education” still places a stronger emphasis on the role of the educator and education system, while “learning” focuses on the learner’s role in the process. Learning in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is strongly supported by relationships, both between young people and adults, and within both youth and adult peer groups. These relationships support learners to take responsibility for how and what they learn.
To understand non-formal learning, it can be helpful to imagine different dimensions of learning situations on a continuum, or a line, from formality to informality.
At different stages and in different spheres of the lifelong and lifewide learning journey, learning experiences will take place at different points on this continuum. The learner will connect these experiences and draw meaning from them – and reflective practice can greatly help with this.
4 Prepared to Learn, Prepared to Lead, WAGGGS 2012
In Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting, non-formal learning should be:
- Intentional: Have identified learning objectives
- Relational: Draw learning from planned interactions with others, including identified facilitators
- Experiential: Engage the learner through a varied range of practical activities
- Reflective: Allow learners to draw their own meanings out of their experiences
- Self-directed: Promote voluntary and learner-centred participation
- Personal: Support each individual’s learning journey and learning styles
- Accessible: All members feel included and able to participate
In the context of lifelong and lifewide learning, it is helpful to remember that all learning situations are valuable and complementary, and where possible we can support learners to make connections between their learning in different parts of their life through Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting.
We facilitate non-formal learning using the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Method and Leadership Model
Connection to the purpose raises awareness of the wider world and nurtures active citizenship. Connection to the method creates self-directed learning spaces and empowers the small group and the individual. Youth members develop leadership skills and a sense of personal responsibility. It doesn’t matter what topic or activity youth members are participating in; if the educational method is being applied effectively, they will be developing these skills and values.
By creating a self-directed, youth owned learning space that inspires young people to develop and act on shared values, Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting doesn’t just tell young people they can make a difference - they learn it by experiencing it. Across the world, the shared purpose and educational method of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is what creates the shared identity of the Movement.
Prepared to Learn, Prepared to Lead