ESL: Educational Vocabulary
This blog entry is about learning new words in English that are important in educational and academic environments. The words will be listed with a pronunciation (how to say it), part of speech (e.g., verb or noun), definition, and examples of the word in sentences. We hope this blog will be useful for learners of English as a second language (ESL learners).
Education-related vocabulary:
Attend (ah-tendd) [verb] : To go to, show up or interact with a classroom, teacher, class, event or group.
Example sentences:
John attends his distance learning program by watching lectures,
completing assignments and talking with his instructor.
I attend class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 11 a.m.
Bachelor’s degree (Baa-chlurs duh-gree) [noun]: An education degree earned after studying beyond the secondary or high-school level. The bachelor’s degree is also called the undergraduate degree.
Example sentences:
You can earn a bachelor’s degree in English by enrolling at this university.
I will earn my bachelor’s degree after I finish this semester.
Credits (cred-itz) [plural noun]: Amount of academic work by a student acknowledged by his or her university.
Example sentences:
This class is worth three credits towards your degree.
I need twelve more credits to earn my degree.
Cram (kram) [verb]: This is a word students use for studying very hard for a test or assignment in a short amount of time.
Example sentences:
I have a test tomorrow, so I will cram for it by studying several hours tonight.
It is better to study on a regular basis than to cram at the last moment.
Distance learning (diss-tins luhrn-ing) [noun]: Formal education which takes place through long distance by mail or email rather than in a local classroom.
Example sentences:
I prefer distance learning because it is more convenient, interactive
and modern than traditional modes of education.
Does this school offer distance learning programs?
Enroll (in-rowl) [verb]: To join a class, university or a specific learning program.
Example sentences:
How do I enroll in this class?
I am glad I enrolled at Kingston University. I really learned a lot!
Instruct (in-strukt ) [verb]: To teach, tell or show someone how to do something, what certain information means or how to develop a certain skill.
Example sentences:
Can you instruct me how to use this new computer program?
The professor instructed the classroom of students on the proper
application of mathematics in chemistry.
Major (may-jur) [noun]: The focus of someone’s study for an undergraduate, masters, or doctoral degree. Examples of majors include physics, business administration and education.
Example sentences:
What is your major?
My major is business administration with a concentration in business ethics.
Master’s degree (mah-stirs duh-gree) [noun]: An education degree earned after studying beyond the undergraduate level.
Examples sentences:
Do you have a master’s degree?
I earned a master’s degree in business administration two years ago.
Semester (Sah-mess-tur) [noun] The period of time it takes to complete a course at university. This is similar to a school term.
Example sentences:
How long does this semester last?
This semester begins in January and ends in May.
This class was very engaging; the semester flew by!
Have you come across any other educational terms? Would you like to know more about education terms? Do you have any questions, comments or curiosities about the English language? What are your challenges in education as an ESL learner? Please leave a comment here and tell us about it!
Nothing can improve ESL and general language skills more than practice with specialized instructors. Contact Kingston University USA to find out more about enrolling in an English language course or receiving ESL tutoring. You will discover that you can live locally and learn globally no matter what your current English abilities are!
