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

Glossary
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Strategic approach to learning Typifies students who adapt their learning style to meet
the needs of the set task. Intention is external to the real purpose of the task, as it focuses
on achieving high marks for their own sake, not because they indicate high levels of
learning. Also known as the achieving approach.
Student-focused approach Teaching in which the teacher not only considers the
learners and their perspectives, but which students perceive as being well designed to
help and support them in achieving the aims the teacher indicates.
Subject benchmarking A collection of discipline-specific statements relating to
undergraduate programmes as published by the QAA.
Subject Centres A network of 24 centres supporting the student experience in their
discipline, part of the HEA.
Summative assessment The type of assessment that typically comes at the end of a
module or section of learning and awards the learner with a final mark or grade for
that section. The information about the learner is often used by third parties to inform
decisions about the learner’s abilities.
Supervision The relationship between a student and supervisor (member of staff) to
facilitate learning and discovery.
Supervisor Person responsible for facilitating the work of students, usually projects
and research.
Surface approach to learning Learning by students which focuses on the details of the
learning experience and which is based on memorising the details without any attempt
to give them meaning beyond the factual level of understanding (see also deep
approach, strategic approach).
Target language The particular foreign language being taught/learnt.
Team teaching A system whereby learning is designed, delivered and supported by
two or more teachers who may share the same session.
Thesis lecture A lecture which builds up a case through argumentation.
Threshold concepts Critical concepts in each discipline, the misunderstanding of which
may impede student learning.
Transferable skills Skills associated with employability. Variously include communication,
numeracy, IT, learning to learn, values and integrity, use of technology,
interpersonal skills, problem-solving, positive attitudes to change and teamworking.
TurnItIn Online plagiarism software.
Tutorial Used with different meanings according to discipline, type of institution, level,
and teaching and learning method. Involves a tutor and one or more students. May
focus on academic and/or pastoral matters.
UK Professional Standards Framework UK descriptors of levels of teaching expertise.
HEA accredited programmes map onto those descriptors (see also HEA).
UUK Universities UK (formerly CVCP).
Valid/validity (of assessment) Adequacy and appropriateness of the task/test in
relation to the outcomes/objectives being assessed (i.e. it measures what it is supposed
to measure).
Video-conference A synchronous discussion between two individuals or groups of