Education and learning – the two pillars that form the foundation of human development and societal progress. Irrespective of the context, be it academic essays or everyday conversations, it’s crucial to express our thoughts and experiences in these areas accurately and effectively. The language we use plays a significant role in shaping these discussions.
To facilitate this process, we have compiled a list of 20 essential vocabulary words that pertain to the realm of education and learning. This list not only aims to enhance your academic and professional writing but also enrich your everyday conversations about education.
Table Of Contents
1. Curriculum (noun)
Pronunciation: /kuh-rik-yuh-luhm/
Definition:
The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college
Example:
The school has introduced a new curriculum to better meet the students’ needs.
2. Pedagogy (noun)
Pronunciation: /ped-uh-goh-jee/
Definition:
The method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject
Example:
Innovative pedagogy techniques can greatly enhance students’ learning experience.
3. Literacy (noun)
Pronunciation: /lit-er-uh-see/
Definition:
The ability to read and write
Example:
Literacy rates have greatly improved in the country over the past decade.
4. Tuition (noun)
Pronunciation: /too-ish-uhn/
Definition:
A sum of money charged for teaching or instruction by a school, college, or university
Example:
The tuition fees for higher education have been increasing every year.
5. Scholarship (noun)
Pronunciation: /skol-er-ship/
Definition:
A grant or payment made to support a student’s education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement
Example:
She received a scholarship to study at a prestigious university.
6. Vocational (adjective)
Pronunciation: /voh-key-shuh-nl/
Definition:
Relating to an occupation or employment
Example:
Vocational courses provide practical skills needed for the job market.
7. Plagiarism (noun)
Pronunciation: /pley-juh-riz-uhm/
Definition:
The practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own
Example:
The student was penalized for plagiarism in his final thesis.
8. Thesis (noun)
Pronunciation: /thee-sis/
Definition:
A long essay or dissertation involving personal research, written by a candidate for a university degree
Example:
She is currently writing her thesis on the impact of social media on youth.
9. Seminar (noun)
Pronunciation: /sem-uh-nahr/
Definition:
A conference or other meeting for discussion or training
Example:
He attended a seminar on effective business communication.
10. Dissertation (noun)
Pronunciation: /dis-er-tey-shuhn/
Definition:
A long essay on a particular subject, especially one written as a requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree
Example:
His dissertation on economic policies received widespread acclaim.
11. Tutor (noun)
Pronunciation: /too-ter/
Definition:
A private teacher, typically one who teaches a single student or a very small group
Example:
She hired a tutor to help her son with his math homework.
12. Syllabus (noun)
Pronunciation: /sil-uh-buhs/
Definition:
An outline of the subjects in a course of study or teaching
Example:
The professor provided the syllabus for the course at the start of the semester.
13. Revisions (noun)
Pronunciation: /ri-vizh-uhns/
Definition:
The action of revising, such as reading over study material
Example:
She was doing her revisions for the final exam.
14. E-learning (noun)
Pronunciation: /ee-lur-ning/
Definition:
Learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet
Example:
The pandemic has made e-learning the new norm for students worldwide.
15. Literate (adjective)
Pronunciation: /lit-er-it/
Definition:
Able to read and write
Example:
His grandmother was not literate, so he read the letters she received aloud to her.
16. Credential (noun)
Pronunciation: /kri-den-shuhl/
Definition:
A qualification, achievement, quality, or aspect of a person’s background, especially when used to indicate their suitability for something
Example:
His credentials as an expert in the field are unquestionable.
17. Graduate (noun)
Pronunciation: /gra-ju-it/
Definition:
A person who has successfully completed a course of study or training, especially a person who has been awarded an undergraduate or first academic degree
Example:
She is a graduate of Harvard University.
18. Extra-curricular (adjective)
Pronunciation: /ek-struh-kuh-rik-yuh-ler/
Definition:
(especially of an activity at a school or college) pursued in addition to the normal course of study
Example:
She is involved in several extra-curricular activities, including soccer and drama club.
19. Cramming (verb)
Pronunciation: /kram-ing/
Definition:
Study intensively over a short period of time just before an examination
Example:
Cramming is not an effective way to learn and remember information in the long run.
20. Alumni (noun)
Pronunciation: /aluhm-nahy/
Definition:
Graduates or former students of a particular school, college, or university
Example:
The university organizes annual meetings for its alumni.
Mastering these key terms will not only enhance your essays and discussions on education and learning but will also enrich your overall English vocabulary.
Remember, the more you use these words, the more naturally they will come to you. Keep practicing and exploring new vocabularies, and you’ll continually enhance your language skills.
Image Credits: Photo by javier trueba on Unsplash
