Whistle Stop --yes this is an interesting thread. A couple of ideas come to mind.

I like what Fortunato said about having the vocabulary to communicate. When I worked in a research lab, I loved the thrill of discussing new and creative ideas, but I found that it was a lack of vocabulary or just not knowing the "jargon" that limited my thinking and abiltiy to communicate. Often I could intuitively express an idea about a chemical synthesis, but had trouble articulating my ideas. I believe a person's thinking is limited by language. (usually obtained through formal training)

In teaching many subjects to many people of all ages and backgrounds, I've found that learning styles are just so vastly different that it's really hard to make any generalizations about formal vs. informal education. An example...I helped teach an adult computer class with a good friend of mine. She believed in a "hands on" and very verbal approach. This about drove me crazy because it was so inefficient. I always go back to advice from Socrates: KNOW THYSELF. In an ideal world, each of us knows what learning method is best for us, and we have the resources to "do it our way." I personally prefer "advanced organizers" (knowing ahead of time what the broad outline is) and a well-written book that explains everything. (Turtle -- you might be one of these types also. You don't always have to understand everything, just know where the pieces of information fit in the big picture.) My friend says, "Experience is the best teacher." I say, "...and the fool's only teacher."

I could say more...but I'll give it a rest.

Mary