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Education is always changing, and so is the language we use to talk about it. From new teaching methods to evolving policies and technology, there are plenty of terms that might feel a bit overwhelming at first. Whether you're a teacher, student, parent, or just someone interested in edtech, understanding this terminology is essential for navigating and contributing to the modern learning environment.

This glossary of education terms has been crafted to help demystify key concepts and support readers in better understanding the language of education.

A Glossary of Education Terms

A

Adaptive Learning

A teaching method that uses technology to tailor instruction to the needs of individual learners, often using AI to analyse performance and adjust content.

Assessment

The process of evaluating a student's knowledge, skills, or abilities through various methods, including tests, quizzes, essays, and performance tasks.

B

Blended Learning

An educational approach that combines online digital media with traditional face-to-face classroom methods.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

A hierarchical model used to classify educational goals into levels of complexity and specificity, such as remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, and creating.

C

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

A learning model where progress is based on a student’s demonstration of mastery of specific skills or knowledge rather than time spent in a classroom.

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyse and evaluate information or arguments based on logic and evidence.

D

Differentiated Instruction

An approach to teaching that involves tailoring instruction to meet the diverse needs of students in a classroom.

Distance Learning

A method of delivering education to students who are not physically present in a traditional classroom setting, often via the internet.

E

E-Learning

The use of electronic technologies to access educational curricula outside of a traditional classroom.

Experiential Learning

Learning through reflection on doing, often involving hands-on or real-world experiences.

F

Formative Assessment

Ongoing assessments, such as quizzes or class discussions, that provide feedback to improve student learning as it happens.

Flipped Classroom

A teaching model where instructional content is delivered outside of the classroom (e.g., via videos) and in-class time is used for interactive activities.

G

Gamification

The integration of game elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, into educational activities to increase engagement.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

A standard way of measuring academic achievement in the U.S., calculated by averaging the grades earned in courses.

H

Hybrid Learning

Similar to blended learning, but often with more flexibility, allowing students to choose between online and in-person learning components.

I

Individualised Education Program (IEP)

A legally binding document in the U.S. that outlines special education services for students with disabilities.

Instructional Design

The practice of designing and developing educational programs and resources to optimise learning outcomes.

L

Learning Management System (LMS)

A software platform for managing, delivering, and tracking e-learning courses or training programs.

Lifelong Learning

The continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout a person's life.

M

Mastery Learning

A teaching strategy where students must achieve a high level of understanding in one topic before moving on to the next.

Microlearning

A method of delivering content in small, focused chunks that are easy to consume, often via digital platforms.

O

Open Educational Resources (OER)

Freely accessible, openly licensed materials that are used for teaching, learning, and research.

Outcome-Based Education (OBE)

An educational philosophy where the curriculum is designed to achieve specific outcomes or competencies.

P

Project-Based Learning (PBL)

An instructional approach where students learn by actively engaging in real-world and meaningful projects.

Proctoring

The process of monitoring students during exams to ensure academic integrity, which can be done in-person or remotely.

S

Scaffolding

A teaching method that provides temporary support to students to help them achieve learning goals, gradually removing assistance as students gain independence.

Standardised Testing

Tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner, used to evaluate student performance across various contexts.

T

Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL)

The use of technology to improve educational experiences and outcomes.

Transferable Skills

Skills learned in one context that can be applied to different areas of life or work, such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork.

V

Virtual Reality (VR) in Education

The use of immersive VR technology to create interactive and engaging learning experiences.

Why Understanding Education Terminology Matters

Education terminology is more than just jargon; it reflects the evolving practices, policies, and technologies that shape how people learn and teach. For educators, staying updated on these terms ensures they can effectively integrate modern strategies into their teaching. For students, understanding these terms supports better communication and engagement in their education journey.

How Synap Simplifies Learning and Assessment

Synap, the ultimate online exam platform, embraces modern education practices by offering:

  • Advanced Proctoring: AI-driven proctoring for seamless and secure assessments with Synap’s Proctoring Tools.
  • Comprehensive Analytics: Insights that drive better learning outcomes, accessible through Synap’s Analytics Tools.

Whether you're an educator, institution, or student, Synap empowers you with the tools to succeed in the digital learning landscape.

Explore how Synap can revolutionise your educational experience today by visiting the Online Exam Platform or learning more about their Authoring Tools.

This glossary will continue to grow as education evolves. Bookmark this page to stay updated with the latest terminology shaping the future of learning, or contact Synap to learn more.