Education vs. Learning vs. Training: Why the Words We Use Matter

Education. Learning. Training. Ever wondered why we use different words for seemingly similar concepts? There’s more to ‘em than meets the eye…

Here's a quick definition of each of these processes:

⚙️ Education: receiving and providing knowledge through systematic instruction

⚡️ Learning: acquiring new skills and knowledge through experience, study or teaching

🏄🏾‍♀️ Training: learning the skills and behaviors to do a particular job or activity

Ok. So what? Look closely and you’ll spot a few morsels:

- Education is done *to* you. You’re mandated, subjected to it
- Learning is about opting in, enrolling, choosing to go on the journey
- You can learn (a lot) through teaching others
- Training is learning applied to practical, real-world situations

I’m skeptical about education. The others? They're packed with opportuntiy.

What matters today is flipping education into learning. Mandated becomes enrolled. Suddenly, it's mapped to something you actually care about.

Learning and training? Done right, they can become delightful, valuable by-products of experimentation, exploration, and simply hanging out with other curious minds. Serious fun. Digging the process vs. the outcome. Leveling up without even realizing it.

Maybe you don’t believe me. Here's a quick thought experiment.

Think about a valuable skill you possess. Did it come from education... or learning?

P.S. There's also the nuanced dance between Training and Practice, and how it all ladders into Professional Development… but that's a word-association game for another day.

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