A Handbook for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Enhancing academic and Practice

Glossary
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MSN Messenger Atool integrated with Windows that allows users to communicate via
text, audio and video, and to share content.
National Committee of Inquiry into Higher Education (NCIHE) The Dearing
Committee, set up under Sir Ron (Lord) Dearing by the Conservative government in
February 1996 to make recommendations for the next 20 years about the purposes,
shape, structure, size and funding of higher education. Reported in July 1997. The
report commented on aspects such as organisation of programmes, quality matters,
staff development and funding.
National Student Survey (NSS) An exit survey of undergraduate student opinion on
their total student experience. Intended to inform student choice.
National Teaching Fellow (NTF) National recognition for teaching excellence (see also
HEA).
Norm-referenced assessment Judges how well the learner has done in comparison
with the norm established by their peers.
Objectives Originally developed by educational psychologists and known as
behavioural objectives. Definition and use have become less precise in recent years.
Their meaning has ranged from exact, measurable outcomes of specific learning
experiences to more generalised statements of learning outcomes. The term may be
distinguished from or used interchangeably (but loosely) with the term ‘learning
outcomes’.
OMR (optical mark reader) A special scanning device that can read carefully placed
pencil marks on specially designed documents. OMR is frequently used to score forms,
questionnaires and answer sheets.
Open learning Learning flexibly with regard to pace and location. Usually associated
with delivery without a tutor being present. Will often allow learning in order of own
choice, in a variety of media and may also imply no entry barriers (e.g. no prior
qualifications).
Open source Describes software available for free distribution and whose source code
is available for free modification by users.
Oral examination See viva voce examination.
OSCE (objective structured clinical examination) Clinical assessment made up of a
circuit of short tasks, known as stations. Several variations on the basic theme.
Typically, candidates pass through a station where an examiner grades them according
to an itemised checklist or global rating scale.
OSLER (objective structured long examination record) Clinical assessment with some
similarity to an OSCE, but involving one or more long case.
Passive learning/approach As opposed to active. Learning or an approach to learning
that is superficial and does not involve full engagement with the material.
Pedagogy The practice and method of teaching and study, and research of it.
Peer assessment Assessment by fellow (peer) students, as in peer assessment of team
activities.
Peer support A system whereby students support one another in the learning process.
Students may be in informal groups or formal, designated groups.