Identifying Students’ Perceptions and Practices about Informal Learning:

A Case Study of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract: The changing dynamics of education have transformed the whole landscape of learning. The conventional teaching methods, such as class room lecture, hamper students’ cognition in multiple ways. They limit students’ creativity and innovation in the process of learning and teaching. Due to these limitations of the conventional teaching methods, students seek knowledge to address multiple academic problems to satisfy their needs of learning. They seek help from modern educational technologies and digital learning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure the current trends in informal learning among the students at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, a leading learning institute in southern Punjab. A survey was conducted at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur. The population of the study comprised undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate level students. The data was collected through a questionnaire. A non-probability convenience sampling methods was used to collect the data. The response rate of the surveyed students was 68.5%. The collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 22) software. The findings were reported in the form of descriptive statistics. The reliability of the questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha value. Results demonstrated that the students were using various informal learning sources and have a positive perception about their use. Sometimes the unavailability of internet connectivity was a main barrier students faced during their informal learning practices. The study signifies the importance of teachers’ motivation, encouragement, and training to boost the culture of informal learning.