Learning vs Training

From childhood we all heard the word echoing all over from many people, yes that is right "study, study !!!". Over a period of time as we grow, we were not pushed so much to "study", but we would have started "reading". Like read books, read novels, read news. Further in life, once grown, our employing organization would "train" and "train". Have you ever wondered, why no-one used the word study when you grew-up or why no-one used the word "training" when we are in school? I did ask. Here is the answer I got myself.

Let us look at the meanings for the key-words used (meaning text are Google search results):

Study : the devotion of time and attention to gaining knowledge of an academic subject, especially by means of books

Read : look at and comprehend the meaning of (written or printed matter) by interpreting the characters or symbols of which it is composed

Train : teach a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.

Studying, Reading, Training are all external actions. These actions are carried out at different stages or more precisely in different context to "LEARN". Thus the purpose of these actions and many more words (actions) used in the context of developing an individual's knowledge and/or skill is to "facilitate" the individual's learning. Learning is a self driven and self realizing process. Over a period of time study, teach, educate, read, train etc., had "statistically" or "contextually" produced "acceptable levels" of learning in the individuals. These patterned and driven methods worked wonders, during the industrial age when humans are needed to operate machines, which were invented to increase productivity. So, what was automated replaced many humans to few (productivity - industrialization) which can "do" faster, better and repeat the same.

After 1990, if I recollect based on my memory and experience, the contexts, the technology, the methodology, the tools and much more changed, including internet. Much before and more closely here, the humankind started experiencing the "knowledge age" catching up. This is the period all the words above got just replaced with "learning" and the tools, methods and techniques got retained as is, like in industrial age. That is why we keep hearing in multiple contexts as "passion drives learning", "experiential learning is critical", "hands-on is more powerful learning" and much more. What is that we forgot?

Learning existed from the day human was born. Learning is an internalization by a human of the world around as information and behavior (Object Oriented Concepts too !!). So, learning is unique to every human. But, the learned human gains expertise to create an approach for the learning, which helps and speeds up future generations to learn, not study, read, train which are activities to facilitate learning. This is called the pedagogy. Looking back in history, this approach or methodology was regularly updated and upgraded. I feel it is time to relook at the pedagogy in every context and convert / upgrade the process, procedures, tools and techniques to be "Learning Effective" and "Learner Centric".

The purpose of our living is to be happy. Learning makes us enjoy the world, overcome hurdles, handle challenges and much more. If so why in the current world education that is meant for learning is stressful? B'cos most approaches, focus on action (studying, reading, training) rather than focusing on learning and learner. In many parts of the world the pedagogy is getting updated and upgraded to build a healthy future generation to explore the "digital age"

How to do that? Let us converse in next article.

Note : Above article is as per my experience and learning. I welcome comments, suggestions and views. No references taken, and so if similar ideology is found elsewhere, then it is purely coincidental.