Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
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Glossary
Montessori Method. The teaching principles
developed by Maria Montessori, an Italian
doctor, emphasizing self-directed learning
through sensory experiences. (3)
motivation. Personal incentive or drive to
succeed. (9)
multimedia. A technique for combining several
forms for media to express an idea. (13)
multiple intelligences. The theory that
individuals have a broad range of types of
intelligence, each to a different degree. (9)
multitasking. Trying to do many things at the
same time. (8)
N
national standards. Performance standards
for knowledge and skills to be mastered in
specific subject areas. (4)
neural connections. The links between brain cells
that can be strengthened through activities that
repeatedly stimulate the brain. (8)
nonsectarian. Private schools that are not
based on or affiliated with any religion. (1)
nonverbal cues. Communication without words
using techniques such as eye contact, body
language, gestures, and physical closeness. (15)
normal schools. Teacher-training schools that
prepared men and women with the necessary
skills to become teachers. (3)
O
online learning. A learning situation in which
students complete assignments, participate in
discussion boards, and may even take exams
online. Also called virtual education. (13)
open-ended questions. Questions that require
more than a few words as an answer. (12)
operant conditioning. When people tend to
repeat behaviors that have a positive result or
are reinforced. (6)
optimism. The inclination to see favorable
outcomes. (10)
Oregon Trail. The only practical route for people
to emigrate from Independence, Missouri to
the western United States, primarily Oregon
and California. (3)
organizational culture. The “personality” of an
organization based on the assumptions, values,
standards, behaviors, and actions of people, as
well as the tangible signs of an organization. (10)
P
pacing. Refers to the rate at which a teacher
moves through the components of a lesson or
the lessons throughout the day. (12)
panel discussion. When a group of people
present and discuss a topic. (12)
paraprofessional. A person who works under
the supervision of a more highly educated
professional. (1)
parent educators. Educators who come from a
variety of backgrounds and offer training and
encouragement to parents. (1)
passive communicator. People who are
unwilling to say what they feel, think, or desire,
wanting to avoid all conflict. (10)
peer evaluation. Students’ assessment of each
other’s learning. (14)
permissive style. A management style that
sets few expectations and rules for students
and enforces them inconsistently. (15)
perseverance. Steadfast persistence in an
undertaking. (15)
personal portfolio. An organized collection
of materials and information that shows how
personal knowledge, skills, and attitudes have
developed over time. (2)
philosophy of teaching. A personal statement
about your thoughts, views, and values as
they relate to teaching. (2)
physical development. Involves advances in
physical abilities. (6)
plagiarism. The use of someone else’s original
words or ideas without giving that person
credit. (13)
postsecondary education. Education that
takes place after high school. (1)
prefrontal cortex. The part of the brain that
regulates emotions and impulse control. (8)
prerequisite course. A course that students
must complete before entering a program or
prior to taking a higher-level course. (2)
proactive. Anticipating the need to find solutions to
future problems, needs, or changes. (10)
productive lab. Focuses on producing an end
product. (12)
professional development. Involves taking
part in professional organizations, attending
seminars and conferences, pursuing an
advanced degree, or other activities meant
to improve professional knowledge and
skills. (10)