Research Article

Key Insights on Adults' Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey

Number: 69 September 30, 2026
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Key Insights on Adults' Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey

Abstract

Informal learning is increasingly recognized as the most authentic and socially embedded form of lifelong learning. This study investigates how demographic factors—age, gender, education level, income, and employment status—influence adults’ participation in informal learning in Türkiye. Using data from the 2022 Adult Education Survey (AES), a nationally representative dataset, the study analyzes participation in different informal learning channels, including learning through social networks, printed materials, electronic devices, guided tours, and learning centers. Findings reveal that engagement with informal learning sources remains low overall. Electronic devices emerged as the most commonly used informal learning channel, whereas participation in guided tours and learning centers remained relatively limited. Participation patterns were more clearly differentiated by educational attainment, occupation, income, and age, while gender differences were generally small in practical terms.These insights can guide adult educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders in designing more inclusive and effective lifelong learning initiatives.

Keywords

informal learning, adult learning, self-directed learning, lifelong learning, participation patterns

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted based on the 2022 Adult Education Survey microdata provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat). Since the study used only anonymized secondary data and no primary data were collected directly from human participants by the authors, ethics committee approval was not required. Access to the microdata was obtained in accordance with TurkStat’s data access and use conditions under request number 423733.

Thanks

The authors would like to thank the Turkish Statistical Institute (TurkStat) for providing access to the 2022 Adult Education Survey microdata used in this study under request number 423733. Appreciation is also extended to colleagues and reviewers whose feedback contributed to the refinement of the manuscript.

References

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APA
Tutar, P., & Dindar, H. (2026). Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 69, 370-395. https://doi.org/10.53444/deubefd.1884204
AMA
1.Tutar P, Dindar H. Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;(69):370-395. doi:10.53444/deubefd.1884204
Chicago
Tutar, Peri, and Hande Dindar. 2026. “Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey”. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, nos. 69: 370-95. https://doi.org/10.53444/deubefd.1884204.
EndNote
Tutar P, Dindar H (September 1, 2026) Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi 69 370–395.
IEEE
[1]P. Tutar and H. Dindar, “Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey”, Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, no. 69, pp. 370–395, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.53444/deubefd.1884204.
ISNAD
Tutar, Peri - Dindar, Hande. “Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey”. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 69 (September 1, 2026): 370-395. https://doi.org/10.53444/deubefd.1884204.
JAMA
1.Tutar P, Dindar H. Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026;:370–395.
MLA
Tutar, Peri, and Hande Dindar. “Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey”. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, no. 69, Sept. 2026, pp. 370-95, doi:10.53444/deubefd.1884204.
Vancouver
1.Peri Tutar, Hande Dindar. Key Insights on Adults’ Informal Learning in Türkiye: Findings from the Adult Education Survey. Buca Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi. 2026 Sep. 1;(69):370-95. doi:10.53444/deubefd.1884204