Plain English Meaning
Putting things together. The student takes what they have learned and builds something new with it, rather than just repeating it back.
Full Definition
In the cognitive domain of learning, synthesis is the level at which a student combines separate pieces of knowledge to form a new whole — assembling facts, concepts, and procedures into an original plan, idea, or solution.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor training when discussing the cognitive domain and how deeply a learner understands and uses information.
Derivation
From the Greek synthesis, meaning 'a putting together' or 'combination.' That original sense fits the aviation training meaning closely — the learner is putting pieces together to make a whole.
Why Pilots Care
Moves training beyond rote memorization so pilots can build original, adaptive solutions to real flight situations.