What Does ASCEND Stand For?
ASCEND is an evidence-based instructional framework built around six interconnected actions that help educators translate learning science into intentional teaching practice.
A — Activate Prior Knowledge
Begin learning by prompting students to retrieve and connect what they already know.
S — Scaffold Strategic Learning
Explicitly teach students how to study, organize information, and approach complex material.
C — Connect Concepts
Help students build meaningful relationships among foundational knowledge, medications, clinical cues, and nursing actions.
E — Engage in Retrieval
Use frequent, spaced, low-stakes opportunities for students to recall and apply knowledge.
N — Nurture Metacognition
Guide students to evaluate their understanding, recognize ineffective strategies, and make purposeful adjustments.
D — Design for Learning
Intentionally integrate evidence-based instructional practices into course design to create meaningful, sustainable learning experiences.
Each component builds upon the previous one, creating a systematic approach to instructional design grounded in learning science.
Figure 1.
The ASCEND Framework organizes evidence-based instructional practices through interconnected primary and secondary drivers that support improved student learning outcomes.
ASCEND in the Classroom
Activate Prior Knowledge
Begin learning by helping students retrieve existing knowledge before introducing new concepts.
Scaffold Strategic Learning
Teach students evidence-based study strategies and model effective learning behaviors.
Connect Concepts
Engage in Retrieval
Help students organize information into meaningful conceptual relationships.
Engage in Retrieval
Nurture Metacognition
Engage in Retrieval
Strengthen long-term retention through frequent opportunities to retrieve and apply knowledge.
Nurture Metacognition
Nurture Metacognition
Nurture Metacognition
Guide students to evaluate their understanding and refine ineffective study strategies.
Design for Learning
Nurture Metacognition
Nurture Metacognition
Integrate these evidence-based practices into a cohesive instructional experience.