You have likely already heard how important your education is, however did you know that it is one of the most important journeys you will ever undertake‘ When you increase your level of education, you will be amazed at the doors that open and how limitless life’s pursuits can be. This is because education does not merely teach you a subject; it also cultivates your talents. That being said you should also understand that your approach is very important to your success. You must know that there is a clear distinction between being a student and being a learner.

Simply put, there is a huge difference between being a student and being a learner. A student is more concerned or focused on the product of an education. That is, an education becomes the end result. With learning, the process is more organic, unrestricted, and capable of crafting a true individual.

To illustrate this, let’s look at a common example of how the average student approaches his/her learning. The student signs up for a course. Takes notes in class. Studies for a test and then passes it. The student receives a grade and, in time, the student will receive a diploma. In short, the student is only concerned with a mechanical process. He/she is simple repeating memorized information in a classroom environment. That will only take a student so far.

A person who is a learner will absorb the information. They will engage in a class to see what they like and what they dislike. They will discover where their strengths and weaknesses are. They will develop an outlook on their potential profession as well as life in general based upon what they experience. In time, they become a fully realized individual thanks to their learning experience.

As you can see, there are many more benefits to being a learner as opposed to being a student. However, society in general places so much emphasis on the student aspect of the process, perhaps because of all the awards and certificates that come with it. Diplomas and degrees are valuable but this is a limited value when you consider their effect on the individual’s development.

Also, a student seems to cease to exist once he/she leaves an establishment of learning. Once the diploma or degree has been achieved, then there is no need to be a student. Again, a student is a role one plays more akin to a task than to personal development.

Learners are not restricted to a particular place or time. They will seek to broaden their horizons wherever they find themselves. Education to a learner is not limited to a semester or calendar year nor does it take place only in a specific building. For this reason and others, it is much better to strive to be a learner instead of the constant student.

Being a student is not all bad in fact, most people will have to follow the path of traditional education to some degree. The key is to blend the student aspect of the process with the capacity to become a seasoned learner. The greatest results will be seen when you can successfully master this process.