data
specific facts, statistics, or items of information; the material generated by a research project or study. Data does not 'tell us' anything: it is the interpretation of data that is crucial.
from the work of Chris Argyris (1923-2013), this refers principally to organisational settings where corrective action addresses both the means and the ends. The process involves questioning, and changing, the very goals and purposes of action as well as the means previously employed (see single-loop learning)
an iterative form of assessment where the learner is given feedback and support expressly to enable them to improve as part of a planned sequence (see similarities to formative assessment and to the zone of proximal development).