Learn about the key differences between training and learning.


Learn about the Difference between Training and Learning

Difference between Training and Learning – 8 Points of Difference

Difference # Training:

1. Definition – A planned and systematic effort to modify or develop knowledge/skill, attitude through learning experience, so as to achieve effective performance in an activity or range of activities.

2. Purpose – To enable individuals to acquire abilities in order that he/she can perform adequately a given task or job.

3. Nature – More specific or related to the present or future job more predictable and generally uniform.

4. Process – Training tends to be more of a mechanistic process that emphasizes uniform and predictable responses to standard guidance and instructions reinforced by practice and repetition.

5. Duration – Training is a short term process generally destined to be finished within a particular time period.

6. Content

i. Training aims to provide knowledge and skills and to inculcate the attitudes which are needed to satisfy specific tasks previously settled.

ii. Training implies the learning of specific behaviours with a certain degree of uniformity within the limits set by individual differences.

7. Implications

i. The changes brought about by a training are often more immediately observable.

ii. Training has its limitations to deal with uncertainties.

iii. The outcomes of training can be specified as behaviours or performances, typically expected from such training and instructional procedures.

8. Factors influencing – Training depends on the nature of activities, practices and procedures in the organization, its values and perceptions and culture also play important roles in terms of developing the content of a training program.

Difference # Learning:

1. Definition – The process whereby individuals acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes through experience, study or instruction.

2. Purpose – To enable an individual to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes through experience, study so as to effectively perform an activity.

3. Nature – More general in nature. Less predictable and generally variable in nature.

4. Process – Learning is a more of organic process depending upon the person itself, his/her attitude, culture and the way he/she perceives and interprets a particular event.

5. Duration – Learning is a lifelong process.

6. Content –

i. Learning is acquired from various practical, real-life situations from which an individual picks up (what is known as experience) from his/her mistakes and/or steps taken in response to a particular unknown or often known situations.

ii. Learning attempts to increase the variability of individual differences and determines how each individual comes to behave in a way which is particular to him.

7. Implications

i. Learning, education and development are more likely to show their influence in the long run and in a more profound way.

ii. An individual can better tackle an uncertainty from his/her experience and learning in comparison to a formal training.

iii. The end products of learning can be specified in terms of particular instances of performances.

8. Factors influencing – Learning depends fundamentally on the individual himself/herself- personality, culture, attitude and perception as well as the environment by which the person is being influenced. Learning is also influenced by the societal factors including values and practices.