Learning vs Performance
From our childhood, we are led into believing that performance is a result of learning and that learning affects performance in a positive manner. Even our educations system has been devised following this concept, and our teaching methodology is influenced by this thinking. Of course, our performance is mostly a result of our learning but the relationship between learning and performance is not that simple as we have always believed. There are times when learning affects performance in an undesirable manner. The differences between learning and performance are deeper than this simple explanation and will be enumerated in detail in this article.
Learning
Learning is a process that continues lifelong in the lives of human beings as long as there is desire and motivation to learn. Learning is all about mastering new skills, and developing a greater understanding about things not known to us and also about making a better sense of our surroundings. We grow and develop mentally with the help of this process of learning as our mind or brain develops to its full potential.
As a kid, we are all the time learning whether it is a math lesson being taught by our teacher, or how to play a video game or to kick football the right way to net into the goal. We also learn about relationships and how to behave with others and respect our elders. Learning is all about becoming smarter and sharper and not just memorizing concepts to obtain better grades in exams.
Performance
Performance is a goal that is achievable through learning. Performance is how we fare in an exam or situation or our productivity in the work environment. Performance is our output that can be judged and evaluated, and we strive to avoid negative assessments about our performance and desire for positive comments. When we get high marks in our exams (good performance), we receive praise from our teachers and parents. Thus, we try to be at our best at all times and at all cost.
Performance is something that is tangible and can be measured. Poor performance can bring in self condemnation, which results in lower self-esteem. Performance is needed at all times in our lives. Good performance by a doctor, engineer, bus driver, plumber, electrician, etc. is all that we care. Athletes and sportspersons strive for a better performance throughout their careers.
What is the difference between Learning and Performance?
• Performance is tangible and measurable while learning is a process that is intangible.
• Learning leads to a better performance in most situations, in our lives, and even our education system is based upon the belief that learning improves performance.
• Learning is a continuous process while performance can be produced when required.
• Learning may not produce same performance levels in all individuals.
• Performance variation may be a result of lack of motivation and effort put in.