Definition of remedial

The word "remedial" originated in the late 1800s, in the field of medicine, as a term to refer to treatments or medicines that could remedy or cure a disease or illness. The word came from the Latin word "remediare," which meant "to heal" or "make well." In education, the term "remedial" was first used in the 1920s to describe additional instruction or support for students who were behind or struggling to understand a particular concept or skill. It was seen as a supplemental or remedial measure to help these students "catch up" with their peers and achieve academic success. The original intention behind the term "remedial" was positive, as it suggested that there was a solution or remedy available to address students' learning needs. However, over time, the term became associated with negative connotations, such as "weakness" or "deficiency," which stigmatized these students and their academic performance. As a result, educators and scholars in the field of education have actively sought to replace "remedial" with more positive and empowering terms, such as "supportive" or "interventionist," that focus on addressing students' needs in a way that emphasizes their strengths and learning potential, rather than their weaknesses.