Coding

In qualitative research, coding involves breaking down data into component parts, which are given names. In quantitative research, codes are numbers that are assigned to data that are not inherently numerical (e.g. in a questionnaire the answer ‘strongly agree’ is assigned a 5) so that information can be statistically processed.

Threshold concept

A key concept which, once understood, can transform the student’s perception of the area of study, and without which the student’s learning cannot progress

Teachmeet

An organised but informal event to bring teachers together and share practice

Validity

In assessment, the degree to which a particular assessment measures what it is intended to measure, and the extent to which proposed interpretations and uses are justified

Transfer

The processes of applying learning to new situations

TIMSS

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study – a series of international assessments of the mathematics and science knowledge of students around the world

VLE

Virtual Learning Environment – an online system that allows teachers to share resources with students via the internet

TA

Teaching Assistant – an adult that assists the teacher in the classroom

Programme for International Student Assessment

Abbreviated to PISA, a worldwide study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), intended to evaluate educational systems by measuring 15-year-old school students’ knowledge and skills

Overlearning

Engaging in repeated practice of concepts beyond the point where a learner has already understood the key idea

Ofsted

The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills – a non-ministerial department responsible for inspecting and regulating services that care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills

MAT

Multi-academy trust – a group of schools working in collaboration, governed by a single set of members and directors

Reliability

In assessment, the degree to which the outcome of a particular assessment would be consistent – for example, if it were marked by a different marker or taken again

Spacing effect

The benefit to learning of including gaps between study and revision sessions

SENCO

A special educational needs coordinator – a teacher who is responsible for special educational needs at school

PISA

The Programme for International Student Assessment, a worldwide study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), intended to evaluate educational systems by measuring 15-year-old school students’ knowledge and skills

Scaffolding

Progressively introducing students to new concepts to support their learning