Which term refers to instructional practices that arise from solid empirical research or methods shown to positively affect classroom learning?

• A. Evidence-based practices
• B. Neurodiversity
• C. Cramming
• D. Research-based practices

Answer: (D)

When practices are backed by solid empirical evidence showing positive effects on student learning, they’re described as evidence-based practices. The key idea is that these methods have been tested with rigorous research, often summarized across multiple studies, and have demonstrated reliable improvements in real classroom settings when implemented with fidelity. That emphasis on proven effectiveness differentiates them from other terms.

Research-based practices are related in that they come from research, but they don’t always carry the same guarantee of demonstrated impact in typical classroom conditions. The other two options don’t fit: neurodiversity refers to variation in brain functioning and isn’t a label for teaching methods; cramming is a short-term study tactic with limited evidence of lasting learning gains. Therefore, evidence-based practices best match the description of instructional strategies shown to positively affect classroom learning.