What is the Difference Between Learning and Maturation

The main difference between learning and maturation is that learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviours, whereas maturation is the process of becoming mature or developed.

Although learning and maturation are two inter-related activities, they are not the same. Maturation refers to both mental and physical development of a person. Learning can be both informal and formal, as well as conscious or unconscious. Mental maturation or cognitive maturation is necessary for learning. In fact, maturation facilitates learning.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Learning 
– Definition, Characteristics
2. What is Maturation
– Definition, Characteristics, Types
3. What is the Relationship Between Learning and Maturation
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Learning and Maturation
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Cognitive Maturation, Learning, Maturation, Physical Maturation

What is Learning

Learning is the acquisition of knowledge, skills, behaviours, values, or preferences. It can occur both consciously and unconsciously. It can occur through education, training, experience as well through personal development. Moreover, there is no age limit for learning; we learn new things every day, all throughout our lives. As babies, we learn to eat, crawl, talk, walk, etc. and we learn a wide range of other skills as we grow up. And, this type of learning happens through observing, experimenting and experiencing.

It’s not only humans who have the ability to learn; animals, plants and even machines also have the ability to learn. However, this ability to learn is often different from a human’s capability to learn. Curiosity and intrinsic motivation are the factors that often promote a person to learn. Furthermore, our capacity to learn varies depending on different factors such as motivation, personality, intelligence level, and learning style.

What is Maturation

Maturation is basically the process of maturing or growing. It is the process by which we change, grow and develop throughout our lives. Also, this is a biological, physical and mental process. We can basically categorize maturation into two sections as physical maturation and cognitive maturation.

Physical maturation naturally refers to the physical changes and development in our bodies. For example, as babies grow up, they develop motor skills and coordination. They also grow tall and gain weight as they age. Moreover, they also go through hormonal changes when they reach puberty.

Cognitive maturation, on the other hand, refers to the cognitive development from our birth to adulthood. We learn to think, learn and interact with various people and situations. Developing reasoning skills, language acquisition, and developing intellect and memory are some examples of cognitive development.

Relationship Between Learning and Maturation

Learning and maturation are intertwined processes. In fact, it is maturity that facilitates learning. When you are teaching something to a person, it is always important to make sure that person has achieved the necessary mental maturity required for that lesson.

Difference Between Learning and Maturation

Definition

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviours through experience, training and education. In contrast, maturation is the process of becoming mature or developed, both mentally and physically. Thus, this is the fundamental difference between learning and maturation.

Type of Process

Moreover, learning is mainly a mental process, whereas maturation is both mental and physical development.

Occurrence

Another difference between learning and maturation is that learning happens through experience, practice, training, or education, while maturation occurs through individual growth.

External Stimuli

While learning happens because of external stimuli, maturation does not need any external stimuli.

Conclusion

Learning and maturation are two intertwined processes. The main difference between learning and maturation is that learning is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, and behaviours, whereas maturation is the process of becoming mature or developed. Thus, maturation is a mental and physical growth, whereas learning is mainly a mental process.

Reference:

1. “Learning and Maturation.” Learning Theories, 24 Mar. 2015, Available here.
2.“What Is Maturation? Definition and Types – Physical & Cognitive Maturation.” Toppr Bytes, 20 June 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “3245793” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “2835898” (CC0) via Pixabay

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