Key Definitions and Usage
“Student success” (/ˈstjuːdnt səkˈses/) and “student achievement” (/ˈstjuːdnt əˈtʃiːvmənt/) are commonly used terms in educational contexts, but they carry distinct meanings and implications.
Student Success
- Definition: Broader term encompassing overall development including social, emotional, and academic growth
- Parts of speech: Noun phrase
- Synonyms: Educational progress, learner development, academic advancement
- Example: The new mentoring program has significantly improved student success rates.
Student success encompasses various aspects of educational development
Student Achievement
- Definition: Specific measurable outcomes, typically academic performance and test scores
- Parts of speech: Noun phrase
- Synonyms: Academic performance, scholastic attainment, educational outcomes
- Example: Standardized tests are designed to measure student achievement in core subjects.
Application in IELTS Sections
Writing Task 2
Common question types involving these terms:
- Education essays
- Academic performance discussions
- School system evaluations
Sample paragraph:
“While student achievement is often measured through examination results, true student success encompasses broader aspects of personal development. Schools should focus on creating environments that foster both academic excellence and holistic growth.”
Speaking Part 3
Sample questions and responses:
Q: “How do you think schools should measure student progress?”
A: “While student achievement can be measured through tests, I believe student success should be evaluated more comprehensively, including factors like critical thinking skills and personal growth.”
IELTS candidates discussing educational topics
Reading
These terms frequently appear in passages about:
- Educational reforms
- Teaching methodologies
- Academic research
Useful Collocations
- Measure student achievement
- Enhance student success
- Track academic achievement
- Promote overall success
- Long-term student success
- Academic achievement gaps
- Student success indicators
- Achievement benchmarks
Common Expressions and Idioms
-
“Set up for success” – Prepare someone for positive outcomes
Example: “Good study habits can set students up for success.” -
“Achievement-driven” – Focused on measurable results
Example: “Modern education systems are increasingly achievement-driven.” -
“Success story” – Example of notable achievement
Example: “The improved tutoring program became a student success story.” -
“Track record of achievement” – History of successful outcomes
Example: “The school has an impressive track record of student achievement.” -
“Recipe for success” – Combination of factors leading to positive outcomes
Example: “A supportive learning environment is part of the recipe for student success.”
Factors contributing to educational success and achievement
Conclusion
Understanding the distinction between student success and student achievement is crucial for IELTS candidates, particularly in Writing Task 2 and Speaking Part 3. While achievement focuses on measurable outcomes, success encompasses broader developmental aspects. Practice using these terms in context to demonstrate sophisticated vocabulary usage in educational discussions.
