Learning About Learning
Glossary
This glossary explains terms used in Learning about Learning. It is not intended to be exhaustive in educational terms, nor does it include an explanation of every word used in the documents and movies. 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
| BERA | British Educational Research Association |
|---|---|
| Blog | A blog, otherwise known as a weblog, is an online diary. The person writing the weblog is known as a 'blogger' and the process of keeping an online diary is known as 'blogging'. |
| Blogging | The process of keeping an online diary (often referred to as a blog) is known as blogging. |
| Bodily kinaesthetic intelligence | The ability to control body movements and handle objects skillfully. Such learners express themselves best through movement. They have a good sense of balance and hand-eye co-ordination. Through interacting with the space around them, they are able to remember and process information. Their skills include dancing, physical co-ordination, sports, crafts, acting, miming and using their hands to create or build. |
| Brain breaks | Brain breaks are simple exercises designed to equip the teacher with tools to manage the physiology and attention of the class. Research shows that structured physical movement can enhance our readiness for learning. |
| Brain Gym | Brain Gym includes 26 targeted activities that integrate body and mind to bring about improvements in areas such as concentration, memory, reading, listening and physical coordination. Brain Gym began in the 1970s with the work of educators Dr. Paul Dennison and Gail E. Dennison. Originally, the Dennisons were seeking more effective ways to help children and adults who had been identified as 'learning disabled.' The Dennisons produced a new approach to learning: the Brain Gym activities, and the field known as Educational Kinesiology (Edu-K). |
| Brain imaging | Brain imaging, or neuro imaging, techniques are used to create images of the brain. There are several techniques: CT or CAT (computed axial tomography) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) PET (positron emission tomography) SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) DOT (diffuse optical imaging). |
| Brainstorming | Also called brainshowering, a means of solving a problem, developing a strategy, or generating ideas by asking individuals or a group to get together and produce as many thoughts on a topic as they can in a short space of time. It works best with larger groups of people in a relaxed environment. A member of the group is usually nominated to summarise or focus ideas on a chalkboard, whiteboard or flipchart. |
| Buzz groups | Buzz groups provide an opportunity for pupils to say what they think and ask questions about what they have been studying. The situation allows individual difficulties and points for clarification to surface within a small group context. |