A
Active Learning
An instructional approach where students engage directly with the material through discussion, problem-solving, case studies, or hands-on activities, rather than passively listening to lectures.
Assessment
The process of gathering information about student learning. Assessments can be formative (ongoing, to guide instruction) or summative (end-of-unit, to evaluate learning).
Asynchronous Learning
Learning that does not happen in real time. Students access materials, complete assignments, and participate in discussions on their own schedule.
B
Bloom's Taxonomy
A framework for classifying educational learning objectives into levels of complexity: Remember, Understand, Apply, Analyze, Evaluate, and Create. Higher levels require more complex thinking.
Blended Learning
An educational approach that combines face-to-face instruction with online learning. Students benefit from the flexibility of digital resources and the support of in-person teaching.
C
Competency-Based Education
An approach where students progress by demonstrating mastery of specific skills or knowledge areas, rather than spending a fixed amount of time on each topic.
Critical Thinking
The ability to analyze information objectively, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and form reasoned judgments. A core goal of education at all levels.
Curriculum
The planned set of courses, content, learning experiences, and assessments that make up an educational program. Curricula are typically aligned with academic standards.
D
Differentiated Instruction
A teaching strategy that adapts content, process, products, or the learning environment to meet the diverse needs of individual students within a classroom.
Distance Learning
Education where students and instructors are physically separated. Instruction is delivered through digital platforms, video, mail, or other technologies.
E
Experiential Learning
Learning through direct experience and reflection. Based on the theory by David Kolb, this cycle includes: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
F
Flipped Classroom
An instructional strategy where students learn content at home (through videos or readings) and use class time for application, discussion, and hands-on practice with teacher support.
Formative Assessment
Ongoing evaluation used during instruction to monitor student learning, provide feedback, and adjust teaching. Examples: exit tickets, draft reviews, quick quizzes.
G
Growth Mindset
The belief, identified by psychologist Carol Dweck, that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort, effective strategies, and guidance from others. Contrasted with a "fixed mindset."
I
Inquiry-Based Learning
A learner-centered approach where students investigate questions, problems, or scenarios. The teacher acts as a facilitator rather than a direct instructor.
Interdisciplinary Learning
An approach that connects two or more academic subjects to explore a topic, theme, or problem from multiple perspectives.
L
Learning Objectives
Clear statements of what students should know, understand, or be able to do by the end of a lesson, unit, or course. Good objectives are specific, measurable, and achievable.
Literacy
The ability to read, write, and use language effectively. Also used broadly (e.g., "digital literacy," "financial literacy") to mean competence in a particular area.
M
Metacognition
Awareness and understanding of one's own thought processes. Metacognitive learners plan how to approach tasks, monitor their understanding, and evaluate their performance.
Montessori Method
An educational approach developed by Maria Montessori emphasizing self-directed learning, mixed-age classrooms, hands-on materials, and an emphasis on independence and intrinsic motivation.
P
Pedagogy
The art and science of teaching. It encompasses the methods, strategies, and approaches educators use to facilitate learning.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
A teaching method where students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period investigating and responding to a complex, real-world question or challenge.
R
Rubric
A scoring guide that lists criteria for evaluating student work and describes levels of quality for each criterion. Rubrics make grading more transparent and consistent.
S
Scaffolding
Temporary instructional support provided to help students tackle new or challenging tasks. Support is gradually removed as students gain competence and confidence.
STEM / STEAM
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. STEAM adds Art to the mix, emphasizing the role of creativity in innovation and problem-solving.
Summative Assessment
Evaluations administered at the end of an instructional unit or course to measure student achievement. Examples: final exams, standardized tests, capstone projects.
Z
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
A concept from psychologist Lev Vygotsky describing the range of tasks a learner can perform with guidance but cannot yet do independently. Effective teaching targets this zone.