Richard,

Thank you for this initial attempt at clarifying the language around learning models. I think some of the confusion between these terms arises because the approaches overlap. A visual taxonomy of some sort would be immensely useful.

Your article addresses the need for a shared language but I’m wondering if we should question the choice of terms. Language should clarify but it should also empower users — particularly teachers, given the climate of suspicion within EdTech. Is there significance to the absence of “teaching” or “instruction” in your taxonomy? How do your terms enrich a teacher’s job, which I’m sure you agree should be the stated intention behind these approaches?

Lastly, terminology should never come at the expense of nuance. Even a simple sounding phrase like “students’ needs” encompasses so much: their cognitive needs, emotional needs, cultural needs, dietary needs…I hope they are not lost in our quest for a shared language.

I applaud your efforts because I see the confusion that arises when language is not clear. It’s a valuable start and hopefully one the education community can collectively build on. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want me to elaborate on anything.