Learning Science Glossary
Short, precise definitions of the terms that come up in learning science and assessment — active recall, the testing effect, the forgetting curve, item discrimination and more — each with the research it comes from and what it means in practice.
16 articles
What Is Mastery Learning? Definition and Modern Use
Mastery learning requires demonstrated competence on each topic before moving to the next. Quick definition + how AI tools make it practical at scale.
What Is Item Difficulty? The Quiz Quality Metric Most Teachers Ignore
Item difficulty is the proportion of students who got a quiz question right. Quick definition + how to use it with item discrimination to improve quizzes.
What Is Desirable Difficulty? When Harder Is Better for Learning
Desirable difficulty is the cognitive-science finding that some kinds of struggle during study actually improve long-term learning. Quick definition + practical examples.
What Is Bloom's 2 Sigma Problem? The Tutoring-Effectiveness Puzzle
Bloom's 2 sigma problem is the finding that one-on-one tutoring produces dramatically better outcomes than classroom instruction. Quick definition + why it matters for AI in education.
What Is the Leitner System? The Original Spaced Repetition
The Leitner system is a 1970s flashcard method that introduced spaced repetition before software existed. Quick definition + how it relates to modern algorithms.
What Is Retrieval Practice? The Evidence-Based Study Habit
Retrieval practice is the study habit of testing yourself to strengthen memory. Quick definition + how it differs from passive review. Explained step by step so it is easy to follow.
What Is Cloze Deletion? A Memorization Technique for Flashcards
Cloze deletion is a flashcard format where part of a sentence is blanked out for retrieval. Quick definition and when to use it. With practical tips you can put into practice today.
What Is Item Discrimination? A Quiz Quality Metric
Item discrimination measures whether a quiz question distinguishes strong students from weak ones. Quick definition + how to use it to find bad questions.
What Is Bloom's Taxonomy? Levels, Examples, and How to Use It
Bloom's taxonomy classifies cognitive tasks from basic recall to creative synthesis. Quick definition, the six levels, and how to apply it to quiz design.
What Is a Distractor in Multiple Choice Questions?
A distractor is a wrong-but-plausible answer choice in a multiple-choice question. Quick definition, why distractor quality matters, and how to write good ones.
What Is Interleaving? The Study Technique That Beats Blocked Practice
Interleaving means mixing different topics in one study session instead of mastering one at a time. Quick definition, the research, and when to use it.
What Is FSRS? The Modern Spaced Repetition Algorithm Explained
FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) is the algorithm that schedules when you review what you learn. Quick definition and why it beats SM-2. With clear examples you can use right away.
What Is the Testing Effect? The Research Behind Active Recall
The testing effect is the finding that retrieving information from memory strengthens it more than rereading does. Quick definition + the foundational research.
What Is the Spacing Effect? Why Spread-Out Study Beats Cramming
The spacing effect is the finding that distributing study sessions over time produces dramatically better long-term retention than the same study time crammed together. Quick definition + practical use.
What Is Active Recall? Definition, Examples, and How to Practice
Active recall is the study strategy of retrieving information from memory instead of re-reading it. The single most effective study technique research has identified.
What Is the Forgetting Curve? Ebbinghaus's Discovery, Explained
The forgetting curve describes how quickly we forget new material without review. Quick definition, the original research, and what it means for studying.