A system and method for educational instruction is described. The system and method are useful in teaching subject-based vocabulary and concepts. The system includes a set of learning cards with various indicia related to subjects to be learned, such as vocabulary words, values and symbols. The system also includes first and second education panels capable of receiving and displaying the learning cards in specified patterns or diagrams. According to the method, an instructor introduces the learning cards and places them on the first panel in an arrangement or diagram that relates to the subject lesson. After the lesson is complete, the teacher or students transfer the diagram to the second panel, and place the second panel where it can be easily viewed by the class during subsequent lessons, thus enabling students to see the relationships between the indicia on the learning cards and learn vocabulary words in the context of an entire lesson or unit. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the learning cards and panels are provided on a computer system.