What is the Difference Between Learning and Studying

The main difference between learning and studying is that learning involves acquiring knowledge and gaining experience and can take place in both formal and informal settings, whereas studying is the process of learning and searching for information, and it often takes place in a formal setting.

Although both learning and studying involve acquiring knowledge, there are several differences between the two practices.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Learning 
     – Definition, Features 
2. What is Studying
     – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between Learning and Studying
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Learning and Studying
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Learning, Studying

Difference Between Learning and Studying - Comparison Summary

What is Learning

Learning refers to the gaining of knowledge or skills or being taught or experiencing something. People can learn many things using different methods. We may learn through our own experiences or from the teachings of another person. We can also learn by watching the news or an instructional video. There are also things we can learn by talking to another person or listening to another person. Learning can take place in both, a formal context and an informal context. However, a formal context is not compulsory in the process of learning. Learning involves all five senses. The use of the five senses helps a person to learn more things.

Compare Learning and Studying - What's the difference?

In the context of education, learning is described as a process with different stages, such as procure, apply, consider, and transform. In the first stage, a student may gain skills and ideas. After acquiring and learning new ideas, the students can apply and practice what they have gained. In the next stage, the results gained in the first two steps are assessed. In the last stage, the assessed knowledge is modified carefully. Many schools and educational institutes around the world apply this process in the teaching and learning process. More importantly, learning is an interactive process since people learn through hands-on experience.

What is Studying

Studying is the process of learning and finding information. People use different tools like books and computers to acquire information in the process of studying. For example, if a person studies history, he may read the facts and information in history books. Generally, people study because they want to learn something. Most of the time, studying takes place in a formal environment.

Learning vs Studying

Studying at school is very important since it provides many essential skills for students. When studying, he or she has to fully understand the facts and information he/she is studying. In fact, understanding is very important in the process of studying. In the procedure of studying, the students absorb knowledge from different sources. Furthermore, studying is considered a passive process where the learners use different techniques. For example, some students read loudly, whereas some students read slowly when gaining knowledge. At the same time, some other students make short notes from master notes or books. The use of studying techniques may vary from one person to the other. Revision is another form of practice that helps students study.

Similarities Between Learning and Studying

  • Both learning and studying help the learners to gain knowledge.
  • Learners use different strategies when they are learning and studying.

Difference Between Learning and Studying

Definition

Learning refers to the gaining of knowledge or skills or being taught or experiencing something while studying refers to the process of learning and finding information.

Nature

Although learning is an interactive method, studying is a passive method.

Knowledge

In learning, knowledge can be gained through experience, whereas in studying, knowledge is gained by referring to sources.

Required Context

Although learning takes place in both formal and informal contexts, studying only takes place in a formal context.

Experience

Although learning provides hands-on experience, the process of studying does not directly provide hands-on experience.

Conclusion

The main difference between learning and studying is that learning involves acquiring knowledge and gaining experience, and it can take place in both formal and informal settings, whereas studying is the process of learning and searching for information, and it often takes place in a formal setting.

Reference:

1. “Study skills.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Girl-father-portrait-family” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “People-child-school-genius” (CC0) via Pixabay

About the Author: Gerandielle

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