Tooltip Categories: Site glossary

an approach to classroom diagnosis of student thinking and learning difficulties

 

Read about Science Learning Doctors – using diagnostic assessment in the science classroom

 

when learners adopt anthropomorphic ideas (sometimes used by teachers as a way of introducing an abstract concept) inappropriately as it they are scientific explanations – e.g. 'the reaction occurred because the atoms wanted to obtain full shells' – an so do not seek a scientifically accetpable mechanism/explanation

where anthropomorphic language (treating inanimate objects as if they have human sentience and feelings, and act on them) comes to be treated as if it offers an acceptable scientific account

Read about 'Anthropomorphism – Learners' anthropomorphic thinking'

anthropomorphic language may be used in a metaphoric sense, where it is not intended to be taken literally (e.g., 'I think the weather must hate me'). Teachers may use anthropomorphism as a way to help  'make the unfamiliar familiar' to learners, but sometimes the students inappropriately accept the anthropomorphic ideas as scientifically acceptable mechanisms/explanations (i.e., 'the atom needs another electron') leading to strong anthropomorphism

Read about 'Anthropomorphism – Learners' anthropomorphic thinking'

 

Year 7 of the English school system – for 11-12 year old students (normally the first year of secondary school)

Year 12 of the English school system (typically for 16-17 year old students) – what used to be known as the 'lower sixth form'

in some national contexts a term used instead of gifted (in the English context gifted tends to refer to academic subjects, and talented to other areas such as artistic or sporting potential/performance)

considered to show giftedness

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM is often used when considering these areas collectively, for example against social sciences, humanities, or arts subjects.)

Read about STEM in the school curriculum

(KS4) the name given to the upper secondary school phase (for 14 – 16 year old students) in the English school system

(Key Stage 4) KS4 is the label given to the upper secondary school phase (for 14 – 16 year old students) in the English school system

(KS3) the name given to the lower secondary school phase (for 11 – 14 year old students) in the English school system

(Key Stage 3) KS3 is the label given to the lower secondary school phase (for 11 – 14 year old students) in the English school system