Incidental Learning Vs Intentional Learning: What’s the difference?

The concept of incidental learning has been around for centuries, and it is likely that people have been learning new things spontaneously and unintentionally throughout human history. However, the term “incidental learning” itself was not coined until the 1950s, when it was used by cognitive psychologists to describe the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills without actively trying to learn them.

Intentional learning, on the other hand, has a longer history, dating back to ancient civilizations. Throughout history, people have engaged in intentional learning in a variety of ways, including through formal education, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.

In modern times, both incidental and intentional learning continue to be important and widely used approaches to learning. With the proliferation of technology and the availability of online learning resources, it is easier than ever for people to engage in both types of learning in a variety of contexts. So, here is a guide on incidental and intentional learning, with their advantages, drawbacks, and examples in real life. 

Exploring the fundamentals of incidental learning and intentional learning

In a classroom setting and in reality, incidental learning and intentional learning can both play important roles in the learning process. Incidental learning refers to the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills without actively trying to learn them. It may occur when students are exposed to new information or concepts while participating in class activities or completing assignments. For example, students may learn new vocabulary words while reading a textbook, or they may learn about a new historical event while watching a documentary.

Intentional learning, on the other hand, refers to the process of actively trying to acquire new knowledge or skills. It involves more direct and purposeful efforts to learn new information or skills including activities such as taking notes, participating in class discussions, completing assignments, or studying for exams. 

To encourage both incidental and intentional learning in the classroom, teachers can create a range of learning experiences and activities that allow students to learn in different ways. This may include incorporating real-life examples, providing hands-on experiences, and encouraging students to explore new topics on their own. Hence, both incidental and intentional learning can be important and valuable in a classroom setting, and it is likely that students will engage in both types of learning throughout their education.

Comparing the popularity of incidental learning and intentional learning

As the applicability of incidental and intentional learning is diverse and their differences complement each other’s coexistence, it is difficult to say which type of learning is more popular.  Both types of learning can be important and useful in different contexts, and it is likely that people engage in both incidental and intentional learning on a regular basis. In some cases, incidental learning may be more popular, such as when people are naturally curious and enjoy learning new things without actively seeking them out. In other cases, intentional learning may be more popular, such as when people are focused on achieving a specific goal and are willing to put in the effort to learn what they need to know.

Understanding incidental learning and intentional learning through examples

Here are some more examples of incidental learning:

• A person learns how to fix a leaky faucet by watching a YouTube tutorial without actively trying to learn how to fix it.
• A person learns about a new historical event by watching a documentary without actively seeking out information about it.
• A person learns a new recipe by reading a cookbook without actively trying to learn how to cook it.
  

Here are some more examples of intentional learning:

• A person decides they want to learn how to play a musical instrument and takes lessons to achieve their goal.
• A person enrolls in a course to learn a new skill, such as programming or woodworking.
• A person studies for an exam or takes a class to learn about a specific topic.
• A person practices a new sport or activity to improve their skills and achieve a specific goal.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Incidental Learning and Intentional Learning

Incidental learning and intentional learning both have their own benefits. Here is a comparison of the benefits of incidental learning vs. intentional learning:

Pros & Cons

Benefits of incidental learning:

• Occurs spontaneously: Incidental learning can happen without any conscious effort, which means it can be a more efficient way to learn new things.
• Can be more engaging: Incidental learning can be more engaging, as it often occurs in the context of real-life experiences and activities.
• Can be more natural: Incidental learning can feel more natural and organic, as it often occurs in the course of everyday life.

Benefits of intentional learning:

• Goal-directed: Intentional learning is typically goal-directed, which means it is focused on achieving specific objectives or outcomes.
• More effective: Intentional learning is often more effective than incidental learning, as it involves conscious effort and is focused on a specific goal or objective.
• Allows for greater control: With intentional learning, the learner has more control over the learning process and can choose what they want to learn and how they want to learn it.
• Can lead to greater achievement: Intentional learning is often more effective for achieving specific goals and can lead to greater achievement in the long run.

Both incidental learning and intentional learning have their own potential drawbacks and it is not possible to point out which has more downsides. However, some potential downsides of both are mentioned below:

Downsides of Incidental Learning: 

• Lack of control: With incidental learning, the learner may not have control over what they learn or when they learn it. This can be frustrating for those who are trying to achieve specific goals.
• Lack of depth: Incidental learning may not always be as comprehensive or in-depth as intentional learning, as it is not always possible to control or predict when or how new information will be encountered.
• May not be relevant: Incidental learning may not always be relevant to the learner’s goals or interests, which can be frustrating or disengaging.

Downsides of Intentional Learning:

• Requires effort: Intentional learning requires conscious effort and can be time-consuming, which can be a barrier for some learners.
• Can be stressful: For some learners, the pressure to achieve specific goals or objectives can be stressful or overwhelming.
• May not be engaging: Intentional learning may not always be as engaging as incidental learning, as it is often more structured and may not be as closely tied to real-life experiences.

Even when comparing which is more susceptible to errors, both incidental learning and intentional learning can involve the risk of errors.

Incidental learning may be more prone to errors in some cases, as it often occurs spontaneously and without awareness and effort. This can make it more difficult to correct errors or misunderstandings, as the learner may not be aware that they have made a mistake.

However, intentional learning may also be prone to errors, especially if the learner is not paying close attention or is not fully engaged in the learning process. Additionally, if the learner is working under pressure or trying to learn too much at once, they may be more likely to make errors.

Overall, both incidental learning and intentional learning involve the risk of errors, and it is important for learners to be aware of this and to take steps to minimize the risk of errors. This may involve seeking out reliable sources of information, actively engaging in the learning process, and seeking help or clarification when needed.

Comparing the effectiveness of incidental learning and intentional learning

Incidental learning and intentional learning have been a part of the learning process for a long time. Each has its own benefits, is compatible together, and is effective in different contexts. 

Research has given mixed opinions, stating that both incidental and intentional learning can be useful for acquiring new knowledge and skills, and the type of learning that is most effective for a given learner may depend on their goals, interests, and learning style. 

For example, studies have found that incidental learning can be an efficient and effective way to learn new information, especially when it is closely tied to real-life experiences or activities.  A study by Jameel Ahmed found incidental learning led to better performance in vocabulary tests. Other researches have found that intentional learning can be more effective for achieving specific goals and objectives, as it involves conscious effort and is goal-directed. 

However, it is true that Incidental learning is a less effective way to learn new information or skills compared to intentional learning. Intentional learning allows individuals to focus their attention and efforts on learning a specific subject or skill, which makes it more efficient and effective.

Overall, it is likely that a combination of both incidental and intentional learning is the most effective approach for many learners. By actively seeking out new learning opportunities and being open to learning new things spontaneously, learners can take advantage of the benefits of both types of learning.

Conclusion

Incidental learning and intentional learning, both can be extremely useful and suitable for children with LD, but the type of learning that is most effective for a child may depend on their strengths, weaknesses, and individual learning needs.

For instance, if a child is naturally curious and enjoys learning new things spontaneously, incidental learning may be a good fit. On the other hand, if a child has specific goals or objectives that they want to achieve, intentional learning may be a better fit. Overall, it may be helpful to consider a combination of both incidental and intentional learning for children with LD. By actively seeking out learning opportunities and encouraging children to be open to learning new things spontaneously, they can take advantage of the benefits of both types of learning. 

Shweta Sharma

I am Shweta Sharma. I am a final year Masters student of Clinical Psychology and have been working closely in the field of psycho-education and child development. I have served in various organisations and NGOs with the purpose of helping children with disabilities learn and adapt better to both, academic and social challenges. I am keen on writing about learning difficulties, the science behind them and potential strategies to deal with them. My areas of expertise include putting forward the cognitive and behavioural aspects of disabilities for better awareness, as well as efficient intervention. Follow me on LinkedIn