Training is a
finite process designed to teach a student to accomplish a specific and
measurable task(s) in accordance with a training objective(s) or purpose. Good training
results in student(s) who is able to perform a task(s) or complete a process in
the specific way demonstrate or explained by instruction.
Education is an infinite
process designed to inspire students to think critically, creatively, or philosophically
about a process. A simpler dentition might be the process of training students
to think. Good education results in student-centered thinking and an awareness
that there may be more than one way to perform tasks or complete processes.
A Trainer is one who
guides students through the completion of a task using a specific methodology.
A trainer may also evaluate training effectiveness, by testing students based
on the stated objectives. Trainers rely on statements, for example, (in
motorcycle training) “To mount the motorcycle, with the side stand down swing
the right leg over the saddle and sit on the motorcycle.”
An Educator is
one who inspires a student(s) to think critically or creatively about a
specific topic, task, or process. A simpler dentition might be educators train
students to think. Educators rely more on questions to guide learning and
inspire thought. For example, an educator might ask, what is the purpose of
mounting the motorcycle? Note that, the instruction quoted above in the trainer
definition, is a proven technique to mount a motorcycle without falling (which
is the purpose of mounting).
I have been trying to make sense of the dictionary versions
of these terms, in most cases they use training and education as synonyms. Somewhat
frustrated, I decided to define them in terms I can understand with clarity.
I would be very interested in your thoughts and opinions,
please leave comments as appropriate.
