The terms teaching and training are sometimes used interchangeably, yet they are fundamentally different.

I was confused by Algebra when I was a middle-class student. Normally, I assumed that addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division were required in mathematics, which I had learnt. Why are these meaningless topics being taught by the teachers? Years later in my master’s classes, while working on a circuit-related project, I realised why I had been taught algebra. In middle class I was taught about the concepts (teaching), in master classes, I was assigned practical work without teaching the basics (related to training)

The terms teaching and training are sometimes used interchangeably, yet they are fundamentally different. Training develops abilities through practise in a real-world setting, whereas teaching imparts knowledge, instruction, or information. People’s prior knowledge and experiences are transferred into the real world of work through training.

The training transforms previous studies and information into real work.

Philosophical prospectus of teaching and training

In the philosophical approach, the teaching is theoretical, where the students learn the theories. They do not know the actual use of these theories and are not involved in practical practices. While in the training, it is assumed that they already have the knowledge and that they will do it physically in the real work environment.

While teaching about the mechanics rules, students are theoretically guided, how engines work. While in training, they practical practice on engine in real environment.

Objectives of teaching and training

The purpose of teaching is for the student to understand how a particular idea works. It is limited to understanding alone. During the training, trainees are expected to practice any particular idea in a real-time environment.

In training, the previously learned information is brought into practise.

Context of teaching and training

The context of teaching may be independent. The teacher may switch the topics. In training, however, switching topics is not feasible, and the trainer is confined to a single task.

For example, in teaching teachers switches between the topics, however, in training, the trainer followed a particular assigned activity.

The time frame for teaching and training

You have been engaged in teaching and training. In teaching, courses last for years. During the training sessions, only a few days or a few months are needed. As stated above, the training covers the specific topic of the practical sessions. It does not enter into the depth of any realm. Therefore, the time for teaching is very long while for training, a very short time is allotted.

Teaching takes a long time, whereas training takes only a few days or months.

Provisioning of resources for teaching and training

In schools, colleges or universities; as students, we are responsible for resource management. We buy/manage out of our pocket. While in case of training, generally, we are trained by our department for which we work. They are therefore responsible for resource management.

Candidates manage the learning resources required for teaching, while the concern department provides it for training.

Methodology of teaching and training

Typically, verbal processes are utilised to teach in classes. In science, diagrams and practical features are occasionally discussed, but not in-depth, because the examination board does not assess practical aspects. In training rooms, schematics and physical equipment are utilised to practically train people for certain tasks.

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The motivation behind discussing the teaching and training here is that it is the trainee’s first question. What is the difference between teaching and training? This is a question that every trainer faces. As a result of the preceding explanation, it should now be evident that acquiring ideas or receiving information in classes is teaching, whereas preparing individuals in a real-time setting for a real-time job is training.

Learn more about teaching and learning.

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