Learning Progression

A Learning Progression is an educational progression that describes sequential pathways through which learners build increasingly sophisticated understanding of core concepts.

• AKA: Learning Trajectory, Developmental Progression, Learning Continuum.
• Context:
  • It can typically identify Learning Milestones that mark developmental achievements.
  • It can typically describe Conceptual Transitions between understanding levels.
  • It can typically predict Learning Pathways based on cognitive development research.
  • It can typically inform Instructional Sequencing through empirically-validated stages.
  • It can typically connect Prerequisite Understanding to target competencies.
  • ...
  • It can often reveal Misconception Patterns at specific developmental stages.
  • It can often suggest Intervention Points for learning support.
  • It can often accommodate Multiple Pathways to learning goals.
  • It can often bridge Informal Understanding to formal knowledge.
  • ...
  • It can range from being a Micro Learning Progression to being a Macro Learning Progression, depending on its progression time scale.
  • It can range from being a Linear Learning Progression to being a Network Learning Progression, depending on its progression pathway structure.
  • ...
  • It can guide Curriculum Development through research-based sequences.
  • It can support Assessment Design aligned with developmental expectations.
  • It can enhance Teacher Decision Making about instructional next steps.
  • It can facilitate Learning Differentiation based on individual progression points.
  • ...
• Example(s):
  • Subject-Specific Learning Progressions, such as:
    • Mathematical Learning Progressions, such as:
      • Mathematical Learning Progression describing mathematical cognitive development.
      • Algebraic Thinking Progression from arithmetic reasoning to algebraic generalization.
    • Scientific Learning Progressions, such as:
      • Matter Concept Progression from observable properties to particle models.
      • Evolution Understanding Progression from variation recognition to mechanism comprehension.
  • Skill-Based Learning Progressions, such as:
    • Literacy Learning Progressions, such as:
      • Reading Development Progression from phonemic awareness to critical analysis.
      • Writing Development Progression from emergent writing to rhetorical sophistication.
    • Critical Thinking Progressions, such as:
      • Argumentation Progression from claim making to evidence evaluation.
      • Problem-Solving Progression from trial-and-error to systematic approaches.
  • ...
• Counter-Example(s):
  • Scope and Sequence Document, which lists curriculum topics without developmental rationales.
  • Learning Standards, which specify grade-level expectations without progression pathways.
  • Skill Hierarchy, which shows dependency relationships without developmental timing.
• See: Learning Sciences, Developmental Psychology, Educational Research, Cognitive Development Theory.

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