CPD Scotland
Glossary
This glossary explains terms used in CPD - Continuing Professional Development. It is not intended to be exhaustive in educational terms, nor does it include an explanation of every word used in the case study extracts. Instead, it seeks to clarify meanings in order to remove potential barriers to understanding and help the reader to appreciate the messages intended more fully.
Keyword search
| Mainstreaming | Taking action to ensure that all forms of equality and human rights are routinely part of normal practice. For example, mainstreaming equality and human rights when developing policy or practice. In education, the term 'mainstreaming' is often associated with integration of special needs pupils into mainstream schools however the definition and practice is much wider than this. To find out more about mainstreaming, visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk/mainstreamingequality on the Scottish Government site. |
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| Matrix | A group of data which forms the 'essence of an application'. |
| mentor | A more experienced colleague; someone very familiar with the particular culture and role, who has influence and can use their experience to help an individual analyse their situation in order to facilitate professional and career development. |
| MLEs and VLEs | A Managed Learning Environment (MLE) is the name given to an ICT system that supports learning within an institution. It usually is delivered through a standard web browser and consists of information and assignments for pupils. A Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) supports online interaction between learners and tutors only and can be a subset of a Managed Learning Environment. |
| Mode | In a set of test or examination results, the particular score achieved by the largest number of participants. |
| Modelling | An analytic technique that involves demonstrating or representing something, or an activity, emphasising the stages of the process and the standard of work expected. |
| Modem | Converts computer data into sound and then transmits it via a telephone wire. Modems are primarily used for email, exploring the internet and sending and/or receiving files from one computer to another. |
| Moderation | The process of establishing comparability standards, in order to ensure that assessment is valid and reliable. In schools it involves groups of teachers looking at examples of work, discussing the extent to which these meet the expected standard and coming to agreement on the Level of attainment represented by each example. The group may be staff from different groups within an establishment or departments, from different schools or across authorities. The AifL programme has promoted collaborative communities of enquiry through staff working together in associated schools groups (ASGs). |
| Monotheism | Along with polytheism, monotheism is one of the best known theistic systems. Monotheism is founded upon the idea that there is only one God, typically regarded as the creator of all reality. This God is believed to be totally self-sufficient and without any dependency upon any other being. |
| MP3 | The standard for audio compression, especially music. |
| MSYPP (Monitoring and Supporting Young People's Progress) | Learning and Teaching Scotland project on monitoring and supporting young people's progress |