Cognitive Load Theory

Abbreviated to CLTCognitive Load Theory – the idea that working memory is limited and that overloading it can have a negative impact on learning, and that instruction should be designed to take this into account, the idea that working memory is limited and that overloading it can have a negative impact on learning, and that […]
Classroom climate

The social, emotional, intellectual and physical environment of a classroom
Baseline assessment

When referring to early years education, a measurement of a child’s performance conducted within a few weeks of them starting school in Reception, with a focus on literacy and numeracy.
Attainment grouping

Also known as ability grouping, the practice of grouping students according to measures of attainment
Assessment for learning

Known as AfLAssessment for Learning (also known as formative assessment) – the process of gathering evidence through assessment to inform and support next steps for a students’ teaching and learning for short, and also known as formative assessment, this is the process of gathering evidence through assessment to inform and support next steps for a […]
Department for Education

The ministerial department responsible for children’s services and education in England
DfE

Department for EducationThe ministerial department responsible for children’s services and education in England – a ministerial department responsible for children’s services and education in England
ITT

Initial teacher training – the period of academic study and time in school leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Initial teacher training

Abbreviated to ITT, the period of academic study and time in school leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Interleaving

An approach to learning where, rather than focusing on one piece of content at a time (known as blocking) then moving on to the next, students alternate between related concepts
Inclusion

An approach where a school aims to ensure that all children are educated together, with support for those who require it to access the full curriculum and contribute to and participate in all aspects of school life
Growth mindset

The theory, popularised by Carol Dweck, that students’ beliefs about their intelligence can affect motivation and achievement; those with a growth mindsetThe theory, popularised by Carol Dweck, that students’ beliefs about their intelligence can affect motivation and achievement; those with a growth mindset believe that their intelligence can be developed believe that their intelligence can […]
Diversity

The recognition of individual differences in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, physical ability, religious beliefs and other differences
Direct instruction

A method of instruction in which concepts or skills are taught using explicit teaching techniques, such as demonstrations or lectures, and are practised until fully understood by each student
Dialogic teaching

The effective use of talk for teaching and learning, involving ongoing talk between teachers and students
Discovery learning

Allowing learners to discover key ideas or concepts for themselves
Inter-rater reliability
The degree to which two or more individuals agree about the coding of an item.