How about Effective Learning?

I’m very often struggling with the terminology that is used in social media, used assuming all readers know exactly which definition, which context, is being used by the author of the piece. I’m expecting Wikipedia includes most of these terms; maybe, in education at least, we could refer to the Wikipedia post OR add a reference for context.

From this post: “Instead of redefining the term should we simply consider replacing it with one that more accurately captures what we want for our students? How about Empowered Learning? Or perhaps we should opt for the language of David Price who speaks of OPEN Learning, an approach that is about culture, collaboration, and community…” I’ve often thought Twitter chats (my two key ones being #oklaed and #tlap — but there are many other great ones as well) would be a good place to flush out an overview of each concept. This could include similarities or differences in labels or maybe zero in on a ‘best’ label choice… Might even be a good topic for one of the so called ‘slowchats’ — my personal favorite being #edslowchat.

So I’ll throw in my choice for the labeling just to expand the mix: EFFECTIVE LEARNING! My reasoning: The label is more inclusive and, I think, reflective of our goal: effective learning for all. I’ve written often about what I believe effective learning to be; recently I’ve referred to the “Three-Leg Effective Learning Stool (legs being Effective Learning skills, appropriate core knowledge, and application to appropriate and significant real-world situations. I’d argue that Effective Learning includes the individualized, student-centered learning so important to the absolutely required lifelong learning AND optimizes the formal schooling experience.