Learning Method
Types of methods used to conduct the learning opportunity.
Applied Instruction
Provides learning opportunities in the context of real world examples, cases, and applications.
Applies to methods such as contextual learning, applied academics, academic-technical integration, problem-based learning, project-based learning, and case methods.
Apprenticeship
Learning through work that leads to a credential that is recognized by a relevant authority and is deliberately structured and supported to provide a progression of learning experiences.
Augmented Reality
Provides interactive learning experience through technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.
Clinical Rotation
Learning through real-world work experience in a medical context under the direct supervision of a qualified practitioner.
Cocurricular Learning
Learning opportunity that supplements or complements the curriculum.
Use for activities that are not part of a formal curriculum.
Cohort-Based
Format in which people progress as a group.
Competency Based
Method that focuses on learners demonstrating the knowledge, skills and/or attitudes in highly specific units regardless of time, place, or pace of learning, usually in authentic contexts.
This definition is based on Commonwealth of Learning (COL) "Open and Distance Learning: Key Terms and Definitions" (May 2023) http://hdl.handle.net/11599/3558
Gaming
Provides interactive educational experiences which demonstrate concepts in a way that promotes critical thinking, overcoming challenges within prescribed rule sets, problem solving, and in some cases, teamwork and/or competition.
Individual or group games that have cognitive, social, behavioral, and/or emotional dimensions which are related to educational objectives.
Internship
Work position that is intended to provide a learner with an opportunity to gain experience but that is not structured around learning and does not itself lead to a credential recognized by a relevant authority.
Laboratory
Hands-on individual or group experiences for applied learning concepts and methods, procedures and protocols with equipment and technologies.
Applies to clinical practice and methods such as physical and/or virtual simulation or participation, whether direct or indirect.
Lecture
Primary method is presentation by an instructor of learning material and may include student discussion.
Lecture courses may involve student questions and answers, but the role of the instructor is clearly differentiated from that of the students.
Medical Residency
Learning through real-world work experience at the graduate level in a medical context where a qualified participant works under the direct supervision of a senior practicioner.
Prerecorded
Learning by using video, audio, or other prerecorded content.
Self Paced
Provides for personalization and flexibility in the timing and progression of learning for individual learners based on their preferences and needs, prior learning experiences, and ability to progress through learning opportunities.
Applies to methods such as competency-based education, open-entry/open exit, independent study, private study, and correspondence.
Seminar
Primary method is active student discussion leading to advancement of the topic and facilitated by an instructor.
Seminars typically involve small groups to facilitate equal opportunity with the instructor and colleagues to be engaged and occasionally may include students leading discussions.
Simulation
Provides interactive learning experience through imitation of a situation or process.
Work Based
Provides real-world work experiences that may be paid or unpaid and provided in group or individual formats normally outside the classroom.
Applies to methods such as apprenticeships, internships, externships, work study, clinical rotations, residencies, practicums, field study, team projects, and cooperative education.