Learning Science Glossary
Understand the research and terminology behind Ludwitt's adaptive learning approach. These concepts form the foundation of effective education.
Adult Education
Adult Literacy
The ability of adults to read, write, and comprehend written information at a functional level. PIAAC defines multiple proficiency levels, with Level 1 and below indicating difficulty understanding simple texts. As of 2023, 28% of US adults perform at Level 1 or below in literacy.
Numeracy
The ability to understand and work with numbers in everyday situations. This includes basic arithmetic, percentages, fractions, interpreting data, and applying mathematical reasoning to real-world problems. PIAAC 2023 shows 34% of US adults struggle with basic numeracy.
Assessment
Formative Assessment
Ongoing assessment during the learning process that provides feedback to both teachers and students about understanding and progress. Unlike summative assessment (end-of-unit tests), formative assessment is designed to inform instruction and improve learning in real-time.
Assessment & Research
PIAAC
The Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies, administered by the OECD. PIAAC measures adult skills in literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving across participating countries. The 2023 assessment revealed significant declines in US adult literacy (12 points) and numeracy (7 points) since 2017.
Cognitive Science
Forgetting Curve
A graph showing the decline of memory retention over time, first described by Hermann Ebbinghaus in 1885. The curve demonstrates that without review, most newly learned information is forgotten within days. Spaced repetition systems are designed to counteract the forgetting curve.
Educational Psychology
Growth Mindset
A concept developed by psychologist Carol Dweck describing the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence. Students with a growth mindset view challenges as opportunities to improve, contrasting with a "fixed mindset" that sees abilities as innate and unchangeable.
Educational Technology
Adaptive Learning
An educational approach that uses technology to adjust the difficulty, pace, and content of instruction based on individual learner performance. Adaptive learning systems continuously monitor student responses and modify the learning path in real-time to optimize engagement and outcomes.
AI Tutoring
The use of artificial intelligence to provide personalized instruction, explanations, and feedback to learners. Modern AI tutors powered by large language models can engage in natural conversation, explain concepts multiple ways, and adapt to individual learning needs.
Gamification
The application of game-design elements (points, badges, leaderboards, levels, challenges) to non-game contexts like education. When designed well, gamification can increase motivation, engagement, and persistence in learning activities.
Instructional Design
Immediate Feedback
Providing learners with information about the correctness of their responses right after they answer. Research by John Hattie and others shows that immediate, specific feedback is one of the highest-impact interventions for learning, with effect sizes of 0.7-1.0 (very large).
Scaffolding
An instructional technique where a teacher or system provides temporary support to help learners accomplish tasks they couldn't complete independently. As the learner gains competence, the scaffolding is gradually removed ("fading") until the learner can perform the task alone.
Learning Techniques
Spaced Repetition
A learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals over time. Based on Hermann Ebbinghaus's research on the "forgetting curve," spaced repetition schedules reviews just before the learner would forget the material, leading to stronger long-term retention compared to massed practice (cramming).
Learning Theory
Mastery Learning
An instructional approach where students must demonstrate proficiency (typically 80-90% mastery) of a topic before advancing to more complex material. Developed by Benjamin Bloom in the 1960s, mastery learning prevents the accumulation of knowledge gaps and ensures solid foundational understanding.
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
A concept developed by Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky (1896-1934) describing the difference between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. The ZPD represents the optimal challenge zone where learning is most effective—not too easy (leading to boredom) nor too difficult (leading to frustration).
Reading Education
Lexile Level
A standardized measure of text difficulty developed by MetaMetrics. Lexile measures range from below 200L (beginning reader) to above 1600L (advanced). Matching readers with appropriately leveled texts is key to building comprehension skills.
Experience These Principles in Action
Ludwitt applies all of these learning science concepts to create a personalized, effective learning experience.