A learner is someone actively acquiring knowledge and skills. This is true from preschool through postgraduate studies and beyond.
A scholar, on the other hand, generally implies:
* Advanced expertise in a specific field: Scholars possess a deep and nuanced understanding of their subject matter, often exceeding what is taught in standard curricula.
* Original contribution to knowledge: Scholars typically engage in research, producing original work through publications, presentations, or other means. This could involve developing new theories, testing existing ones, or making significant discoveries.
* Engagement in the scholarly community: Scholars actively participate in their field, attending conferences, reviewing others' work, and engaging in debate and discussion.
While advanced degrees (Master's and PhD) are strongly associated with scholarly work, someone can be considered a scholar even without a formal advanced degree if they consistently demonstrate the above characteristics. Conversely, someone with a PhD might not be a scholar if they are not actively engaged in research or contributing to their field.
Therefore, the transition isn't a specific educational level, but rather a shift in focus and activity. It's about the depth of understanding, the creation of new knowledge, and the engagement within a scholarly community.