Remedial
ri-MEE-dee-uhl
/rɪˈmiːdiəl/
Providing a remedy, cure, or improvement for a deficiency, especially in education, to help students catch up.
Refers to instruction or programs designed to address specific learning gaps or weaknesses, helping students meet basic academic standards.
The story behind the word. The word 'remedial' comes from the Latin 'remedium,' meaning 'a cure' or 'a remedy.' This root itself is formed from 're-' (again) and 'mederi' (to heal). So, 'remedial' instruction is literally about providing a 'remedy' or a 'cure' for academic difficulties, helping students to 'heal' their learning gaps and get back on track. It's all about fixing what's broken in a supportive way.
Word relationships
- Corrective: A general term for something intended to correct a fault or error; 'remedial' is specifically for educational deficiencies.
- Supportive: Providing encouragement or help; 'remedial' is a specific type of supportive intervention.
- Advanced: Far on or ahead in development or progress.
- Enrichment: Activities designed to broaden or deepen knowledge beyond the standard curriculum.
Word family
- remedy (noun): A cure for an illness or a solution for a problem; verb: to put right.
Collocations
- remedial classes
- remedial education
- remedial program
- remedial support
- remedial instruction
Example sentences
- "After identifying her difficulties with algebra, the student enrolled in a remedial mathematics program." The school offers remedial classes in math and reading for students who are struggling to meet grade-level expectations.
- "The university provides remedial writing courses to help students develop stronger academic prose skills." Early intervention with remedial support can significantly improve a child's long-term academic trajectory.
Memory hook
'REMEDIAL' classes are a 'REMEDY' for learning problems. Remedy for problems
When not to use
Avoid using 'remedial' in a derogatory way. It describes a type of instruction, not a judgment of a student's intelligence. Focus on the supportive aspect.
Fun facts
- The concept of 'remedial education' has existed for centuries, often in the form of tutoring or specialized instruction.
- Some universities require students to take remedial courses if their placement test scores indicate a need, even if they've been admitted.
Related words
Explore more words
remediation, remediate, therapeutic, rectify, rehabilitate, diagnostic
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