handicap

1. n. any disadvantage or characteristic that limits or prevents a person from performing various physical, cognitive, or social tasks or from fulfilling particular roles within society. For example, a nonaccessible building entry or exit for a person in a wheelchair would be considered a handicap, as would the person’s inability to walk. The term generally is considered pejorative and its use has fallen into disfavor. See also disability.

2. vb. to place an individual or group of individuals at a disadvantage, or to hinder or impede progress. —handicapped adj.

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Psychology term of the day

May 8th 2024

cooperative learning

1. learning in small groups, to which each student in the group is expected to contribute using interpersonal skills and face-to-face interaction. Students also participate in regular assessment of the group process.

2. a formal method of acquiring information that combines knowledge obtained in a classroom setting with that obtained in a work or applied setting. Typically, the formal classroom aspect of instruction is focused specifically on the actual work experience. See also cooperative training.