the debate over the relative value of formal and informal learning has existed for a number of years. traditionally formal learning takes place in a school or university and has a greater value placed upon it than informal learning, such as learning within the workplace. this concept of formal learning being the socio-cultural accepted norm for learning was first challenged by scribner and cole in 1973, who claimed most things in life are better learnt through informal processes, citing language learning as an example. moreover, anthropologists noted that complex learning still takes place within indigenous communities that had no formal educational institutions.