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
Virtual learning environment
An online system that allows teachers to share resources with students via the internet
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
Teaching Assistant
An adult that assists a teacher in the classroom
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
Peer-reviewed journal
A journal in which research papers are evaluated by experts in the field
Scaffolding
Progressively introducing students to new concepts to support their learning
