A shared language for skills

In the previous step, you explored how students demonstrate capability through everyday tasks.

The next challenge is naming those skills clearly. When we talk about skills, we often use different words to describe similar things. Teamwork, collaboration, communication, participation.

While these terms are familiar, they are not always used consistently. For students, this can make it difficult to understand what they are actually developing. This is where shared language becomes important. Not more complex language, but clearer, more consistent language that can be used across lessons and contexts.

In this video, you’ll explore:

• how differences in language can create confusion
• why shared language supports understanding
• how consistent naming helps make capability easier to recognise

As you watch, consider:

• How consistent is the language used to describe skills in your context?
• How might this affect students’ ability to recognise what they are developing?

Ontario Learning Skills Framework

The Ontario Learning Skills Framework is one example of how skills can be made visible alongside academic achievement. By consistently naming skills such as responsibility, organisation, collaboration, initiative and self-regulation, the framework helps both teachers and students develop a shared understanding of what capability looks like in practice.