Education vocabulary for IELTS

Schools, universities, teaching methods and lifelong learning. 20 words with definitions and example sentences, useful for Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3.

curriculum noun

the subjects included in a course of study

The national curriculum was reformed to include digital skills.

rote learning noun

memorising through repetition rather than understanding

Critics argue that rote learning stifles creativity.

tuition fees noun

money paid for teaching at a college or university

Rising tuition fees have deterred students from poorer families.

vocational training noun

education that prepares people for a specific trade

Vocational training can lead directly to skilled employment.

literacy noun

the ability to read and write

Adult literacy programmes have transformed rural communities.

numeracy noun

the ability to understand and work with numbers

Employers value numeracy as highly as communication skills.

academic achievement noun

success in study, often measured by grades

Parental involvement is closely linked to academic achievement.

critical thinking noun

the ability to analyse information and form judgements

Schools should prioritise critical thinking over memorisation.

extracurricular adjective

outside the normal school timetable

Extracurricular activities help children develop teamwork.

compulsory adjective

required by law or a rule

Physical education should remain compulsory in secondary schools.

mixed-ability adjective

containing students of different levels

Mixed-ability classes can benefit both stronger and weaker pupils.

distance learning noun

studying remotely, usually online

Distance learning has widened access to higher education.

lifelong learning noun

continuing to learn throughout adult life

Rapid technological change makes lifelong learning essential.

standardised testing noun

exams given and marked in the same way for all students

Standardised testing allows schools to be compared fairly.

drop out phrasal verb

to leave school or a course before finishing

Students who work long hours are more likely to drop out.

tertiary education noun

education after secondary school

Access to tertiary education has expanded dramatically.

pedagogy noun

the method and practice of teaching

Modern pedagogy emphasises active participation.

peer pressure noun

influence from people of the same age group

Peer pressure can affect students' choice of subjects.

well-rounded adjective

having a broad range of skills and experience

A well-rounded education includes art and sport.

graduate verb

to complete a degree successfully

Fewer than half of those who enrol go on to graduate.