What is the Difference Between Maturation and Learning?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main difference between maturation and learning lies in the processes involved and the factors that influence them. Here are the key differences between the two:

  1. Definition: Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviors, while maturation is the process of becoming mature or developed, both mentally and physically.
  2. Process: Learning is achieved through experience, practice, training, or education, whereas maturation occurs through individual growth and development.
  3. External Stimuli: Learning happens because of external stimuli, while maturation does not require any external stimuli and is acquired through the changes that the individual undergoes.
  4. Type of Process: Learning is mainly a mental process, whereas maturation involves both mental and physical development.
  5. Occurrence: Learning can be both informal and formal, as well as conscious or unconscious, while maturation is an automatic process for behavioral change.
  6. Age-Limit: There is an age-limit for the process of maturation, while learning can occur at any age.
  7. Inter-relationship: Maturation and learning are closely interrelated, with maturation setting limits beyond which developments cannot progress even with the most favorable conditions.

In summary, learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviors through experience, practice, or education, while maturation is the process of becoming mature or developed, both mentally and physically, through individual growth and development.

Comparative Table: Maturation vs Learning

The main difference between maturation and learning is that maturation refers to both mental and physical development of a person, while learning is the process of acquiring skills, knowledge, and behaviors. Here is a table summarizing the differences between maturation and learning:

Maturation Learning
Refers to the mental and physical development of a person Refers to the process of acquiring skills, knowledge, and behaviors
Can be both conscious and unconscious Can be both informal and formal, as well as conscious or unconscious
Necessary for language acquisition and developing intellect and memory Facilitated by maturity, and capacity to learn varies depending on factors such as motivation, personality, intelligence level, and learning style
Occurs throughout a person's life Occurs during a specific period, often related to a particular job or role
Focuses on growth and progression over time Aims to improve job performance and productivity
Not limited to a specific job or role Role-specific and focuses on technical skills and knowledge

Maturation and learning are intertwined processes, with maturity facilitating learning. In fact, it is essential to ensure that a person has achieved the necessary mental maturity required for learning.