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
| Temporal lobe | The specialised region of the brain thought to be associated with hearing, speech, smell and aspects of memory. |
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| Tertiary | Also known as Higher education. It is a non-compulsory degree or diploma educational level following the completion of secondary school education. |
| The big picture | An overview of the subject or topic that includes the purpose and learning outcomes. |
| Thinking hats | Six Thinking Hats is a technique created by Edward de Bono that encourages individuals to consider problems or decisions from a number of different perspectives. |
| Thinking styles | Thinking styles can be divided into four groups: • Concrete sequential thinkers like to base their thinking firmly on what they can see, hear, and touch • Abstract random thinkers organise ideas and information through a process of reflection • Abstract random thinkers organise ideas and information through a process of reflection • Abstract sequential thinkers are logical, rational and intellectual. |
| TIMSS (Trends in International Maths and Science Survey) | Scotland participates in this international survey in Mathematics and Science. In 2003 this included important content for students to have learned in mathematics and science, as well as describing important home and school contexts influencing achievement in these subjects. Staff can use this summative information at any local level to judge their performance relative to the national sample and to plan their next steps. |
| Traffic lighting | A means of self-evaluation that displays how well a pupil or student has understood a topic or activity based on the colours of a traffic light. Green means 'I can do this'; amber means 'I'm reasonably confident'; and red means 'I need assistance'. It is particularly effective when pupils are involved in establishing, or at least addressing, the criteria for success. |
| Two stars and a wish | A type of feedback given to pupils that identifies two strengths in their work and one area for future development. This enables learners to build on prior learning and breaks the process of improvement into manageable steps. |
| Twos to fours | Pupils work initially in pairs before joining with another pair to compare notes. This provides a valuable opportunity for pupils to explain their own points of view and respond to the views of others. |