Informal Learning among PhD Students: A Case Study in an Iranian University

Learning occurs through both formal and informal ways. While there is a considerable volume of research on formal aspects of learning in higher education, informal learning has not received the attention it deserves, particularly in Iran. As informal learning constitutes a large proportion of all learning, this paper reports on a study using both qualitative and quantitative techniques on informal learning among a group of PhD students in an Iranian university. The results suggest that by providing necessary provisions and bases for informal learning, the productivity of PhD studies can be increased by this type of learning.