**Shadow learning** refers to learning that happens _informally, indirectly, or on the sidelines_ of formal work or practice — usually by observing, supporting, or assisting experts as they perform real-world tasks. In my understanding: learning by directly interacting the the reality & field leaders, learning by doing / participating ## Significance Tacit knowledge transfer Context-rich exposure --- Why is Shadow Learning especially significant in the AI era? -- [[The Skill Code -- How to Save Human Ability in an Age of Intelligent Machines]] As AI automates more complex tasks, fewer entry-level opportunities exist for novices to shadow experts. If you can’t sit beside the expert while they work, how do you acquire the real-world tacit skills they developed over years of practice?