This week I am recognizing the difference between learning and being trained. Learning is initiated by the individual learner with a goal or end result in mind. Learning is more enjoyable for the person than merely being trained. The learner can apply knowledge gained to multiple applications now and in the future. Learning can be a lifelong process while being trained has a limited scope and time period. Training seems geared more towards the agenda of the teacher.
How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer?
Learning will be most effective when the goals of the learner and the goals of the trainer match up. Clear communication and accessibility are needed to balance the requirements and standards of the teacher with the goals and direction of the learner.
You bring up an interesting point in talking about the difference between learning and training. Sometimes I feel like I do too much training. But training isn't always the teacher's agenda. Some students are there to be trained; it's what they want. Training is a lesser part of learning and often involves an aspect of production and application. Training seems more concrete than learning. But you are so right when you mention the idea of balance. All teaching should ideally have a balance of learning and training.
ReplyDeleteSharee,
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting take on learing vs. training. I had not thought abut the Behaviorist theory in that manner. You make some insightful comments. I have to agree that authentic learning must come from within. The questions that come to my mind as a result of your comments are: how do we as educators facilitate the development of dependent life-long learners? What are the magical techniques? How do we assist students in moving to that higher level of learning? I loved your idea that learning has to be more than training! Thanks for sharing.
hmm. you might be interested then in Bereiter and Scardamalia's intention learning environments....their theory is aligned with your definition of learning this week
ReplyDelete