Glossary

Learning refers to the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, attitudes and values; in some contexts it refers to what (content) is learned.

Basic learning needs refer to the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary for people to survive, to improve the quality of their lives, and to continue learning.

Learning opportunities refer to a wide range of educational activities organized with the intent to promote or facilitate learning.

Learning achievement refers to the actual skills, attitudes, values and level of knowledge acquired by the individual; it implies some measurement or demonstration that learning has occurred.

Education refers to the provision of learning opportunities in a purposeful and organized manner through various means including, but not limited to, schools and other educational institutions.

Formal education refers to education provided through the schools and similar established institutions for education and training; it generally conforms to a prescribed curriculum leading to some form of certification.

Basic education refers to education intended to meet basic learning needs; it includes instruction at the first or foundation level, on which subsequent learning can be based; it encompasses early childhood and primary (or elementary) education for children, as well as education in literacy, general knowledge and life skills for youth and adults; it may extend into secondary education in some countries.

Essential learning tools refers to literacy, numeracy, and problem solving, and depending on the social context, may also include such other tools as computer operation, library use, and the ability to interpret media messages.

Literacy refers to the ability to read and write with comprehension, as well as to make simple arithematical calculations (numeracy); in an expanded sense, literacy may refer to a set of basic cognitive skills enabling one to obtain and process information in a meaningful manner (e.g., media literacy, science literacy, computer literacy).

Primary education refers to the provision of first level instruction to children, usually in the 6-11 age group;

Primary schooling refers to the provision of primary education through formal schools.

Education for All refers to the provision of basic education for all children, youth and adults.

Human development refers to the concept which views the general well-being of humans as the focus and purpose of development action; it involves the application of learning to improve the quality of life.

Human resources development is used as a narrower term, referring to the development and conservation of individuals’ capacities to contribute to social and economic development.