Education vs. Learning — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 18, 2024
Education is a structured system of formal instruction in academic settings, while learning is the broader process of acquiring knowledge or skills through experience, study, or teaching.
Difference Between Education and Learning
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Education typically refers to formal schooling at institutions like schools and universities, designed around a curriculum, whereas learning is an ongoing process that can occur in any setting, formal or informal.
Education often involves teachers, textbooks, classes, and assessments, aimed at imparting a specific body of knowledge. Learning, on the other hand, might not require formal structures and can happen through self-exploration, daily experiences, or interaction with others.
In the context of goals, education is usually goal-oriented with specific outcomes in mind, such as earning a degree or certificate. Learning is more about personal or professional growth and can be driven by curiosity or necessity without a formal credential.
Education systems can sometimes be rigid, adhering to standardized curricula and testing methods. Learning is inherently flexible, adapting to the learner’s pace, interests, and the context of the situation.
The assessment in education often involves grades or scores that measure a student's progress against standard benchmarks. In contrast, learning is often self-assessed, based on personal reflection and practical application of knowledge.
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Comparison Chart
Setting
Formal institutions like schools and colleges
Any environment, including self-directed settings
Structure
Structured around a curriculum and formal classes
Can be unstructured and informal
Involvement
Teachers, textbooks, standardized tests
Self-study, experiences, social interaction
Goals
To earn degrees, certificates, and formal qualifications
Personal growth, skill acquisition, curiosity fulfillment
Assessment
Grades, diplomas, standardized tests
Self-assessment, practical application
Compare with Definitions
Education
Structured teaching involving a series of lessons.
The new curriculum aims to improve science education.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skills through experience, study, or by being taught.
Learning a new language can be challenging.
Education
The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction at a school or university.
She pursued her education at a prestigious university.
Learning
Practical understanding of a subject.
His learning of the business was rapid and comprehensive.
Education
A body of knowledge acquired while being educated.
His education includes a deep knowledge of history.
Learning
Information acquired through educational processes.
Her learning was evident in her discussions.
Education
An enlightening experience.
Traveling abroad was an education in itself.
Learning
The lifelong, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge.
Continuous learning is vital for career advancement.
Education
The theory and practice of teaching.
She studied the foundations of education in her college courses.
Learning
An act or process of acquiring knowledge or skill.
The learning process varies significantly from person to person.
Education
Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, morals, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include teaching, training, storytelling, discussion and directed research.
Learning
Learning is the process of acquiring new understanding, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences. The ability to learn is possessed by humans, animals, and some machines; there is also evidence for some kind of learning in certain plants.
Education
The act or process of educating or being educated.
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skills through study, experience, or being taught
An important learning process
These children experienced difficulties in learning
Education
The knowledge or skill obtained or developed by a learning process.
Learning
The act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill.
Education
A program of instruction of a specified kind or level
Driver education.
A college education.
Learning
Knowledge or skill gained through schooling or study.
Education
The field of study that is concerned with the pedagogy of teaching and learning.
Learning
(Psychology) Changes in behavior resulting from experience, especially changes due to conditioning.
Education
An instructive or enlightening experience
Her work in an animal shelter was a real education.
Learning
(uncountable) An act in which something is learned.
Education
(uncountable) The process of imparting knowledge, skill and judgment.
Good education is essential for a well-run society.
Learning
(uncountable) Accumulated knowledge.
The department head was also a scholar of great learning.
Education
(countable) Facts, skills and ideas that have been learned, especially through formal instruction.
He has had a classical education.
The educations our children receive depend on their economic status.
Learning
(countable) Something that has been learned
Education
The act or process of educating; the result of educating, as determined by the knowledge skill, or discipline of character, acquired; also, the act or process of training by a prescribed or customary course of study or discipline; as, an education for the bar or the pulpit; he has finished his education.
To prepare us for complete living is the function which education has to discharge.
Learning
Present participle of learn
I'm learning to ride a unicycle.
Education
The activities of educating or instructing or teaching; activities that impart knowledge or skill;
He received no formal education
Our instruction was carefully programmed
Good teaching is seldom rewarded
Learning
The acquisition of knowledge or skill; as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy.
Education
Knowledge acquired by learning and instruction;
It was clear that he had a very broad education
Learning
The knowledge or skill received by instruction or study; acquired knowledge or ideas in any branch of science or literature; erudition; literature; science; as, he is a man of great learning.
Education
The gradual process of acquiring knowledge;
Education is a preparation for life
A girl's education was less important than a boy's
Learning
The cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge;
The child's acquisition of language
Education
The profession of teaching (especially at a school or college or university)
Learning
Profound scholarly knowledge
Education
The result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior);
A woman of breeding and refinement
Education
The United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with education (including federal aid to educational institutions and students); created 1979
Common Curiosities
What is education?
A formal system of teaching and learning in schools and colleges.
Can learning occur without education?
Yes, learning can happen independently of formal education through experiences or self-directed study.
What is learning?
The process of acquiring knowledge or skills through various means, not just formal education.
Is a degree necessary for learning?
No, learning can occur without any formal certification.
How does education differ from learning?
Education is structured and formal, while learning is broader and can be informal.
Is education only acquired in childhood?
No, education can continue into adulthood, especially with higher education and professional training.
How are teachers involved in education?
Teachers guide and impart knowledge using established curricula in educational settings.
Can learning be self-directed?
Yes, learning can be entirely self-directed, based on personal interests and needs.
What is the role of a school in education?
Schools provide a structured environment where education is systematically imparted.
How do assessments differ in education vs. learning?
Assessments in education are often formalized, whereas in learning, they may be more reflective and informal.
Is learning always intentional?
Learning can be both intentional and accidental, occurring through deliberate study or unintended experiences.
Can education be informal?
Typically, education is formal, but there are forms of informal education, such as community education.
What impact does learning have on a person?
Learning enhances personal development, skillsets, and adaptability.
How do online platforms affect education and learning?
Online platforms make education more accessible and allow for a flexible, self-paced learning environment.
What is the importance of a curriculum in education?
A curriculum provides a structured framework that guides teaching and learning processes in educational institutions.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
