Explanation of the difference between education and training for an online course. Also refer to learners, students, teachers, trainers, CBT, computer-based training, WBT, web-based training, instructional design, training, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions
Difference Between Education and Training
by Ron Kurtus (12 October 1999)
If you are studying or involved in corporate training, you probably are not looking at the learning process the same way as a person involved in education views it. Training and education are very similar, yet different areas.
Questions you may have include:
- What is the difference between education and training?
- Are they the same, and it is just a matter of semantics, or are they completely different concepts?
- Can they be studied together?
This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.
Education
Formal education is usually thought of studies done in schools. The students range from the very youngest through college to those in adult education.
There is also informal education or self-study, where adults read books, listen to tapes and learn through other media. Observing life itself is a form of education.
The objective of classes or of self-education is usually to gain knowledge about facts, events, principles, concepts, and such. In some classes the student is required to demonstrate the memorization of facts and the association between concepts. In other classes, they must apply rules to solve problems.
Testing concerns memorization and understanding, plus perhaps analytic and problem solving skills.
Training
On the other hand, formal training is usually concerned with gaining a skill. Training is done in trade schools, seminars, and business training classes. Learners of training are usually adults, although there are some classes to teach youngsters certain skills.
Informal training is usually done through reading, viewing or listening to how-to material. Sometimes that material is then used as a guide, while the person applies the skills learned. For example, you may refer to a how-to book when trying to fix your plumbing at home.
Verification of skills is best achieved by actually doing something in the real world. Sometimes tests given in trade schools check for knowledge, as opposed to skill. Often in corporate training sessions and in seminars, there is no verification that the learner had achieved the desired skills.
Summary
Education concerns remembering facts and understanding concepts. It is usually taught in school, although self-study is possible. Training concerns gaining skills and taught either in trade schools or business training sessions.
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Resources
The following are some resources on this topic.
Web sites
Books
Mini-quiz to check your understanding
1. How can a person educate him- or herself?
2. What is an example of a soft skill?
3. What is the best way to verify a skill?
If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a champion in education and training. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.
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Difference Between Education and Training