Glossary
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ATAR
view_agenda book_2Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
Absolute Measurement Uncertainty
view_agenda book_2An estimate of the dispersion of the measurement result; the range of values around the measurement result that is most likely to include the true value (ACARA 2015c)
Absolute Uncertainty of the Mean
view_agenda book_2The absolute uncertainty of the mean is \(\frac{x_{max}-x_{min}}{2}\)
Accomplished
view_agenda book_2Highly trained or skilled in a particular activity; perfected in knowledge or training; expert
Accuracy
view_agenda book_2The condition or quality of being true, correct or exact; freedom from error or defect; precision or exactness; correctness; in science, the extent to which a measurement result represents the quantity it purports to measure; an accurate measurement result includes an estimate of the true value and an estimate of the uncertainty
Accurate
view_agenda book_2Precise and exact; to the point; consistent with or exactly conforming to a truth, standard, rule, model, convention or known facts; free from error or defect; meticulous; correct in all details
Acknowledgment
view_agenda book_2Recognition of the authority or validity of something
Adept
view_agenda book_2Very/highly skilled or proficient at something; expert
Adequate
view_agenda book_2Satisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity equal to the requirement or occasion
Algebraic Representation
view_agenda book_2A set of symbols linked by mathematical operations; the set of symbols summarises relationships between variables (ACARA 2015c)
Algorithm
view_agenda book_2An effective procedure for solving a particular mathematical problem in a finite number of steps
Analyse
view_agenda book_2Dissect to ascertain and examine constituent parts and/or their relationships; break down or examine in order to identify the essential elements, features, components or structure; determine the logic and reasonableness of information; examine or consider something in order to explain and interpret it, for the purpose of finding meaning or relationships and identifying patterns, similarities and differences
Analysis
view_agenda book_2Examination of evidence to identify the essential features, components, elements or structure; identification of patterns, similarities and differences
Analytical Technique
view_agenda book_2A procedure or method for analysing data
Anomaly
view_agenda book_2Something that deviates from what is standard, normal or expected (Taylor 1982)
Applied learning
view_agenda book_2The acquisition and application of knowledge, understanding and skills in real-world or lifelike contexts that may encompass workplace, industry and community situations; it emphasises learning through doing and includes both theory and the application of theory, connecting subject knowledge and understanding with the development of practical skills
Applied subject
view_agenda book_2A subject whose primary pathway is work and vocational education; it emphasises applied learning and community connections; a subject for which a syllabus has been developed by the QCAA with the following characteristics: results from courses developed from Applied syllabuses contribute to the QCE; results may contribute to ATAR calculations
Apply
view_agenda book_2Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or circumstance; carry out or use a procedure in a given or particular situation
Appraise
view_agenda book_2Evaluate the worth, significance or status of something; judge or consider a text or piece of work
Appreciate
view_agenda book_2Recognise or make a judgment about the value or worth of something; understand fully; grasp the full implications of
Appropriate
view_agenda book_2Acceptable; suitable or fitting for a particular purpose, circumstance, context, etc.
Apt
view_agenda book_2Suitable to the purpose or occasion; fitting, appropriate
Area of study
view_agenda book_2A division of, or a section within a unit
Argue
view_agenda book_2Give reasons for or against something; challenge or debate an issue or idea; persuade, prove or try to prove by giving reasons
Argument
view_agenda book_2Process of reasoning; series of reasons; a statement or fact tending to support a point
Aspect
view_agenda book_2A particular part of a feature of something; a facet, phase or part of a whole
Assess
view_agenda book_2Measure, determine, evaluate, estimate or make a judgment about the value, quality, outcomes, results, size, significance, nature or extent of something
Assessment
view_agenda book_2Purposeful and systematic collection of information about students' achievements
Assessment instrument
view_agenda book_2A tool or device used to gather information about student achievement
Assessment objectives
view_agenda book_2Drawn from the unit objectives and contextualised for the requirements of the assessment instrument (see also 'syllabus objectives', 'unit objectives')
Assessment technique
view_agenda book_2The method used to gather evidence about student achievement (e.g. examination, project, investigation)
Astute
view_agenda book_2Showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people; of keen discernment
Authoritative
view_agenda book_2Able to be trusted as being accurate or true; reliable; commanding and self-confident; likely to be respected and obeyed
Balanced
view_agenda book_2Keeping or showing a balance; not biased; fairly judged or presented; taking everything into account in a fair, well-judged way
Basic
view_agenda book_2Fundamental
Behaviour
view_agenda book_2In science, the action of any material; the action or activity of an individual
Calculate
view_agenda book_2Determine or find (e.g. a number, answer) by using mathematical processes; obtain a numerical answer showing the relevant stages in the working; ascertain/determine from given facts, figures or information
Categorise
view_agenda book_2Place in or assign to a particular class or group; arrange or order by classes or categories; classify, sort out, sort, separate
Challenging
view_agenda book_2Difficult but interesting; testing one's abilities; demanding and thought-provoking; usually involving unfamiliar or less familiar elements
Characteristic
view_agenda book_2A typical feature or quality
Claim
view_agenda book_2An assertion made without any accompanying evidence to support it
Clarify
view_agenda book_2Make clear or intelligible; explain; make a statement or situation less confused and more comprehensible
Clarity
view_agenda book_2Clearness of thought or expression; the quality of being coherent and intelligible; free from obscurity of sense; without ambiguity; explicit; easy to perceive, understand or interpret
Classify
view_agenda book_2Arrange, distribute or order in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics
Clear
view_agenda book_2Free from confusion, uncertainty, or doubt; easily seen, heard or understood
Clearly
view_agenda book_2In a clear manner; plainly and openly, without ambiguity
Coherent
view_agenda book_2Having a natural or due agreement of parts; connected; consistent; logical, orderly; well-structured and makes sense; rational, with parts that are harmonious; having an internally consistent relation of parts
Cohesive
view_agenda book_2Characterised by being united, bound together or having integrated meaning; forming a united whole
Collate
view_agenda book_2To put together; to compare
Collection
view_agenda book_2In science, a systematic approach to gathering and measuring evidence from a variety of sources in order to evaluate outcomes and make predictions
Comment
view_agenda book_2Express an opinion, observation or reaction in speech or writing; give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation
Communicate
view_agenda book_2Convey knowledge and/or understandings to others; make known; transmit
Compare
view_agenda book_2Display recognition of similarities and differences and recognize the significance of these similarities and differences
Competent
view_agenda book_2Having suitable or sufficient skills, knowledge, experience, etc. for some purpose; adequate but not exceptional; capable; suitable or sufficient for the purpose; having the necessary ability, knowledge or skill to do something successfully; efficient and capable (of a person); acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding
Competently
view_agenda book_2In an efficient and capable way; in an acceptable and satisfactory, though not outstanding, way
Complex
view_agenda book_2Composed or consisting of many different and interconnected parts or factors; compound; composite; characterised by an involved combination of parts; complicated; intricate; a complex whole or system; a complicated assembly of particulars
Comprehend
view_agenda book_2Understand the meaning or nature of; grasp mentally
Comprehensive
view_agenda book_2Inclusive; of large content or scope; including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something; wide-ranging; detailed and thorough, including all that is relevant
Concept
view_agenda book_2In science, an idea or model explaining some natural phenomenon; a theoretical construct; a thought, idea or notion
Concise
view_agenda book_2Expressing much in few words; giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief, comprehensive and to the point; succinct, clear, without repetition of information
Concisely
view_agenda book_2In a way that is brief but comprehensive; expressing much in few words; clearly and succinctly
Conclusion
view_agenda book_2A judgment based on evidence (ACARA 2015c)
Conduct
view_agenda book_2Direct in action or course; manage; organise; carry out
Consider
view_agenda book_2Think deliberately or carefully about something, typically before making a decision; take something into account when making a judgment; view attentively or scrutinise; reflect on
Considerable
view_agenda book_2Fairly large or great; thought about deliberately and with a purpose
Considered
view_agenda book_2Formed after careful and deliberate thought
Consistent
view_agenda book_2Agreeing or accordant; compatible; not self-opposed or self-contradictory, constantly adhering to the same principles; acting in the same way over time, especially so as to be fair or accurate; unchanging in nature, standard, or effect over time; not containing any logical contradictions (of an argument); constant in achievement or effect over a period of time
Construct
view_agenda book_2Create or put together (e.g. an argument) by arranging ideas or items; display information in a diagrammatic or logical form; make; build
Contrast
view_agenda book_2Display recognition of differences by deliberate juxtaposition of contrary elements; show how things are different or opposite; give an account of the differences between two or more items or situations, referring to both or all of them throughout
Controlled
view_agenda book_2Shows the exercise of restraint or direction over; held in check; restrained, managed or kept within certain bounds
Convincing
view_agenda book_2Persuaded by argument or proof; leaving no margin of doubt; clear; capable of causing someone to believe that something is true or real; persuading or assuring by argument or evidence; appearing worthy of belief; credible or plausible
Correct
view_agenda book_2Conforming to fact or truth; accurate
Course
view_agenda book_2A defined amount of learning developed from a subject syllabus
Create
view_agenda book_2Bring something into being or existence; produce or evolve from one
Creative
view_agenda book_2Resulting from originality of thought or expression; relating to or involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something; having good imagination or original ideas
Credible
view_agenda book_2Capable or worthy of being believed; believable; convincing
Criterion/Criteria
view_agenda book_2The property or characteristic by which something is judged or appraised
Critical
view_agenda book_2Involving skilful judgment as to truth, merit, etc.; involving the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment; expressing or involving an analysis of the merits and faults of a work of literature, music, or art; incorporating a detailed and scholarly analysis and commentary (of a text); rationally appraising for logical consistency and merit
Critique
view_agenda book_2Review (e.g. a theory, practice, performance) in a detailed, analytical and critical way
Cursory
view_agenda book_2Hasty, and therefore not thorough or detailed; performed with little attention to detail; going rapidly over something, without noticing details; hasty; superficial
Data
view_agenda book_2In science, measurements of an attribute or attributes; data may be quantitative or qualitative and be from primary or secondary sources (ACARA 2015c)
Dataset
view_agenda book_2Qualitative data and/or quantitative data (e.g. diagram, graph, image, map, photograph, table) derived from a practical, activity or case study
Decide
view_agenda book_2Reach a resolution as a result of consideration; make a choice from a number of alternatives
Deduce
view_agenda book_2Reach a conclusion that is necessarily true, provided a given set of assumptions is true; arrive at, reach or draw a logical conclusion from reasoning and the information given
Defensible
view_agenda book_2Justifiable by argument; capable of being defended in argument
Define
view_agenda book_2Give the meaning of a word, phrase, concept or physical quantity; state meaning and identify or describe qualities
Demonstrate
view_agenda book_2Prove or make clear by argument, reasoning or evidence, illustrating with practical example; show by example; give a practical exhibition
Derive
view_agenda book_2Arrive at by reasoning; manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship; in mathematics, obtain the derivative of a function
Describe
view_agenda book_2Give an account (written or spoken) of a situation, event, pattern or process, or of the characteristics or features of something
Design
view_agenda book_2Produce a plan, simulation, model or similar; plan, form or conceive in the mind; in English, select, organise and use particular elements in the process of text construction for particular purposes; these elements may be linguistic (words), visual (images), audio (sounds), gestural (body language), spatial (arrangement on the page or screen) and multimodal (a combination of more than one)
Detailed
view_agenda book_2Executed with great attention to the fine points; meticulous; including many of the parts or facts
Determine
view_agenda book_2Establish, conclude or ascertain after consideration, observation, investigation or calculation; decide or come to a resolution
Develop
view_agenda book_2Elaborate, expand or enlarge in detail; add detail and fullness to; cause to become more complex or intricate
Devise
view_agenda book_2Think out; plan; contrive; invent
Differentiate
view_agenda book_2Identify the difference/s in or between two or more things; distinguish, discriminate; recognise or ascertain what makes something distinct from similar things; in mathematics, obtain the derivative of a function
Discerning
view_agenda book_2Discriminating; showing intellectual perception; showing good judgment; making thoughtful and astute choices; selected for value or relevance
Discriminate
view_agenda book_2Note, observe or recognise a difference; make or constitute a distinction in or between; differentiate; note or distinguish as different
Discriminating
view_agenda book_2Differentiating; distinctive; perceiving differences or distinctions with nicety; possessing discrimination; perceptive and judicious; making judgments about quality; having or showing refined taste or good judgment
Discuss
view_agenda book_2Examine by argument; sift the considerations for and against; debate; talk or write about a topic, including a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses; consider, taking into account different issues and ideas, points for and/or against, and supporting opinions or conclusions with evidence
Disjointed
view_agenda book_2Disconnected; incoherent; lacking a coherent order/sequence or connection
Distinguish
view_agenda book_2Recognise as distinct or different; note points of difference between; discriminate; discern; make clear a difference/s between two or more concepts or items
Diverse
view_agenda book_2Of various kinds or forms; different from each other
Document
view_agenda book_2Support (e.g. an assertion, claim, statement) with evidence (e.g. decisive information, written references, citations)
Draw conclusions
view_agenda book_2Make a judgment based on reasoning and evidence
Effective
view_agenda book_2Successful in producing the intended, desired or expected result; meeting the assigned purpose
Efficient
view_agenda book_2Working in a well-organised and competent way; maximum productivity with minimal expenditure of effort; acting or producing effectively with a minimum of waste, expense or unnecessary effort
Element
view_agenda book_2A component or constituent part of a complex whole; a fundamental, essential or irreducible part of a composite entity
Elementary
view_agenda book_2Simple or uncompounded; relating to or dealing with elements, rudiments or first principles (of a subject); of the most basic kind; straightforward and uncomplicated
Erroneous
view_agenda book_2Based on or containing error; mistaken; incorrect
Essential
view_agenda book_2Absolutely necessary; indispensable; of critical importance for achieving something
Evaluate
view_agenda book_2Make an appraisal by weighing up or assessing strengths, implications and limitations; make judgments about ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria; examine and determine the merit, value or significance of something, based on criteria
Evidence
view_agenda book_2In science, evidence is data that has been selected as it is considered reliable and valid and can be used to support a particular idea, conclusion or decision; evidence gives weight or value to data by considering its credibility, acceptance, bias, status, appropriateness and reasonableness (ACARA 2015c)
Examination
view_agenda book_2A supervised test that assesses the application of a range of cognitions to one or more provided items such as questions, scenarios and/or problems; student responses are completed individually, under supervised conditions, and in a set timeframe
Examine
view_agenda book_2Investigate, inspect or scrutinise; inquire or search into; consider or discuss an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue
Experiment
view_agenda book_2Try out or test new ideas or methods, especially in order to discover or prove something; undertake or perform a scientific procedure to test a hypothesis, make a discovery or demonstrate a known fact in science, an investigation that involves carrying out a practical activity
Experimental
view_agenda book_2Relating to, derived from, or founded on experiment
Explain
view_agenda book_2Make an idea or situation plain or clear by describing it in more detail or revealing relevant facts; give an account; provide additional information
Explicit
view_agenda book_2Clearly and distinctly expressing all that is meant; unequivocal; clearly developed or formulated; leaving nothing merely implied or suggested
Explore
view_agenda book_2Look into both closely and broadly; scrutinise; inquire into or discuss something in detail
Express
view_agenda book_2Convey, show or communicate (e.g. a thought, opinion, feeling, emotion, idea or viewpoint); in words, art, music or movement, convey or suggest a representation of; depict
Extend
view_agenda book_2In science, to extend an experiment is to modify the methodology to overcome limitations of the scope or applicability of the data
Extended response
view_agenda book_2An open-ended assessment technique that focuses on the interpretation, analysis, examination and/or evaluation of ideas and information in response to a particular situation or stimulus; while students may undertake some research when writing the extended response, it is not the focus of this technique; an extended response occurs over an extended and defined period of time; an item on an examination may also require an extended response, either written or oral
Extension subject
view_agenda book_2A two-unit subject for which a syllabus has been developed by QCAA; it is an extension of one or more general or alternative sequence subject/s; studied concurrently with the final two units of that subject/s or after completion of, the final two units of that subject/s
Extensions
view_agenda book_2In science, modifications to an investigation that could be used to further examine a claim
Extensive
view_agenda book_2Of great extent; wide; broad; far-reaching; comprehensive; lengthy; detailed; large in amount or scale
External Assessment
view_agenda book_2Summative assessment that occurs towards the end of a course of study and is common to all schools; developed and marked by the QCAA according to a commonly applied marking scheme
External Examination
view_agenda book_2A supervised test, developed and marked by the QCAA, that assesses the application of a range of cognitions to multiple provided items such as questions, scenarios and/or problems; student responses are completed individually, under supervised conditions, and in a set timeframe
Extrapolate
view_agenda book_2Infer or estimate by extending or projecting known information; conjecture; infer from what is known; extend the application of something (e.g. a method or conclusion) to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue or similar methods will be applicable
Extrapolation
view_agenda book_2Extension of a conclusion to a new situation with the assumption that existing trends will continue
Factual
view_agenda book_2Relating to or based on facts; concerned with what is actually the case; actually occurring; having verified existence
Familiar
view_agenda book_2Well-acquainted; thoroughly conversant with; well known from long or close association; often encountered or experienced; common; (of materials, texts, skills or circumstances) having been the focus of learning experiences or previously encountered in prior learning activities
Feasible
view_agenda book_2Capable of being achieved, accomplished or put into effect; reasonable enough to be believed or accepted; probable; likely
Feature
view_agenda book_2Distinctive attribute, characteristic, property or quality of evidence
Findings
view_agenda book_2In science, the outcomes of research, investigation or experimentation, including facts or principles established in these ways
Fluent
view_agenda book_2Spoken or written with ease; able to speak or write smoothly, easily or readily; articulate; eloquent; in artistic performance, characteristic of a highly developed and excellently controlled technique; flowing; polished; flowing smoothly, easily and effortlessly
Fluently
view_agenda book_2In a graceful and seemingly effortless manner; in a way that progresses smoothly and readily
Formative Assessment
view_agenda book_2Assessment whose major purpose is to improve teaching and student achievement
Fragmented
view_agenda book_2Disorganised; broken down; disjointed or isolated
Frequent
view_agenda book_2Happening or occurring often at short intervals; constant, habitual, or regular
Fundamental
view_agenda book_2Forming a necessary base or core; of central importance; affecting or relating to the essential nature of something; part of a foundation or basis
General subject
view_agenda book_2A subject for which a syllabus has been developed by the QCAA with the following characteristics: results from courses developed from General syllabuses contribute to the QCE; General subjects have an external assessment component; results may contribute to ATAR calculations
Generate
view_agenda book_2Produce; create; bring into existence
Genre conventions
view_agenda book_2Agreed and acceptable conditions; a style or category
Graphical representation
view_agenda book_2In science, a visual representation of the relationship between quantities plotted with reference to a set of axes; also known as a graph (ACARA 2015c)
Green chemistry
view_agenda book_2Chemistry that aims to design products and processes that minimise the use and generation of hazardous substances and waste. Principles of green chemistry include prevention of waste; atom economy; design of less toxic chemicals and synthesis methods; use of safer solvents and auxiliaries; design for energy efficiency; use of renewable feedstocks; reduction of unnecessary derivatives; use of catalytic reagents rather than stoichiometric reagents; design for degradation; design of in-process analysis for pollution prevention; and safer chemistry for accident prevention. (ACARA 2015c)
Hypothesis
view_agenda book_2In science, a tentative explanation for an observed phenomenon, expressed as a precise and unambiguous statement that can be supported or refuted by experiment (ACARA 2015c)
Hypothesise
view_agenda book_2Formulate a supposition to account for known facts or observed occurrences; conjecture, theorise, speculate; especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
ISMG
view_agenda book_2Instrument-specific marking guide; a tool for marking that describes the characteristics evident in student responses and aligns with the identified objectives for the assessment (see assessment objectives)
Identify
view_agenda book_2Distinguish; locate, recognise and name; establish or indicate who or what someone or something is; provide an answer from a number of possibilities; recognise and state a distinguishing factor or feature
Illogical
view_agenda book_2Lacking sense or sound reasoning; contrary to or disregardful of the rules of logic; unreasonable
Implement
view_agenda book_2Put something into effect, e.g. a plan or proposal
Implication
view_agenda book_2A likely consequence of something; a conclusion that may be drawn though it is implied rather than explicit
Implicit
view_agenda book_2Implied, rather than expressly stated; not plainly expressed; capable of being inferred from something else
Improbable
view_agenda book_2Not probable; unlikely to be true or to happen; not easy to believe
Improvements
view_agenda book_2In science, modifications to an investigation that mitigate the limitations of the evidence, method or design
In-depth
view_agenda book_2Comprehensive and with thorough coverage; extensive or profound; well-balanced or fully developed
Inaccurate
view_agenda book_2Not accurate
Inadequate
view_agenda book_2Not satisfactory or acceptable in quality and/or quantity to the requirements of the situation
Inappropriate
view_agenda book_2Not suitable or proper in the circumstances
Inconsistent
view_agenda book_2Lacking agreement, as one thing with another, or two or more things in relation to each other; at variance; not consistent; not in keeping; not in accordance; incompatible, incongruous
Incorrect
view_agenda book_2Not conforming to fact or truth
Independent
view_agenda book_2Thinking or acting for oneself, not influenced by others
Ineffective
view_agenda book_2Not producing a result, or not producing any significant result; not producing the intended, desired or expected result
Infer
view_agenda book_2Derive or conclude something from evidence and reasoning, rather than from explicit statements; listen or read beyond what has been literally expressed; imply or hint at
Informed
view_agenda book_2Knowledgeable; learned; having relevant knowledge; being conversant with the topic; based on an understanding of the facts of the situation (of a decision or judgment)
Innovative
view_agenda book_2New and original; introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
Insightful
view_agenda book_2Showing understanding of a situation or process; understanding relationships in complex situations; informed by observation and deduction
Instrument-specific marking guide
view_agenda book_2ISMG; a tool for marking that describes the characteristics evident in student responses and aligns with the identified objectives for the assessment (see
Insufficient
view_agenda book_2Not enough; inadequate for the purpose
Integral
view_agenda book_2Adjective: Necessary for the completeness of the whole; essential or fundamental; Noun: In mathematics, the result of integration; an expression from which a given function, equation, or system of equations is derived by differentiation
Intended
view_agenda book_2Designed; meant; done on purpose; intentional
Internal assessment
view_agenda book_2Assessments that are developed by schools; summative internal assessments are endorsed by the QCAA before use in schools and results externally confirmed; contributes towards a student's final result
Interpret
view_agenda book_2Use knowledge and understanding to recognise trends and draw conclusions from given information; make clear or explicit; elucidate or understand in a particular way; bring out the meaning of, e.g., a dramatic or musical work, by performance or execution; bring out the meaning of an artwork by artistic representation or performance; give one's own interpretation of; identify or draw meaning from, or give meaning to, information presented in various forms, such as words, symbols, pictures or graphs
Invalid
view_agenda book_2Not sound, just or well-founded; not having a sound basis in logic or fact (of an argument or point); not reasonable or cogent; not able to be supported; not legitimate or defensible; not applicable
Investigate
view_agenda book_2Carry out an examination or formal inquiry in order to establish or obtain facts and reach new conclusions; search, inquire into, interpret and draw conclusions about data and information
Investigation
view_agenda book_2An assessment technique that requires students to research a specific problem, question, issue, design challenge or hypothesis through the collection, analysis, and synthesis of primary and/or secondary data; it uses research or investigative practices to assess a range of cognitions in a particular context; an investigation occurs over an extended and defined period of time; in science, a scientific process of answering a question, exploring an idea or solving a problem that requires activities such as planning a course of action, collecting data, interpreting data, reaching a conclusion and communicating these activities (ACARA 2015c)
Irrelevant
view_agenda book_2Not relevant; not applicable or pertinent; not connected with or relevant to something
Isolated
view_agenda book_2Detached, separate, or unconnected with other things; one-off; something set apart or characterised as different in some way
Judge
view_agenda book_2Form an opinion or conclusion about; apply both procedural and deliberative operations to make a determination
Justified
view_agenda book_2Sound reasons or evidence are provided to support an argument, statement or conclusion
Justify
view_agenda book_2Give reasons or evidence to support an answer, response or conclusion; show or prove how an argument, statement or conclusion is right or reasonable
Learning area
view_agenda book_2A grouping of subjects, with related characteristics, within a broad field of learning, e.g. the Arts, sciences, languages
Limitation
view_agenda book_2A weak point or disadvantage that makes evidence less effective
Link
view_agenda book_2Anything serving to connect one part or thing with another
Logical
view_agenda book_2Rational and valid; internally consistent; reasonable; reasoning in accordance with the principles/rules of logic or formal argument; characterised by or capable of clear, sound reasoning; (of an action, decision, etc.) expected or sensible under the circumstances
Logically
view_agenda book_2According to the rules of logic or formal argument; in a way that shows clear, sound reasoning; in a way that is expected or sensible
Make decisions
view_agenda book_2Select from available options; weigh up positives and negatives of each option and consider all the alternatives to arrive at a position
Management
view_agenda book_2Handling, direction or control
Manipulate
view_agenda book_2Adapt or change to suit one
Matter
view_agenda book_2A physical substance; anything that has mass and occupies space (Macquarie 1981)
Measurement uncertainty
view_agenda book_2The measure of doubt associated with the measured result due to imprecision; it may be represented as an absolute uncertainty or as a percentage uncertainty (Taylor 1982)
Mental procedures
view_agenda book_2A domain of knowledge in Marzano's taxonomy, and acted upon by the cognitive, metacognitive and self-systems; sometimes referred to as procedural knowledge there are three distinct phases to the acquisition of mental procedures — the cognitive stage, the associative stage, and the autonomous stage; the two categories of mental procedures are skills (single rules, algorithms and tactics) and processes (macroprocedures)
Methodical
view_agenda book_2Performed, disposed or acting in a systematic way; orderly; characterised by method or order; performed or carried out systematically
Methodology
view_agenda book_2A systematic, ordered approach to gathering data in a scientific experiment or investigation
Minimal
view_agenda book_2Least possible; small, the least amount; negligible
Model
view_agenda book_2In science, a representation that describes, simplifies, clarifies or provides an explanation of the workings, structure or relationships within an object, system or idea (ACARA 2015c)
Modifications
view_agenda book_2In science, changes to methodology to extend, refine or redirect the research focus
Modify
view_agenda book_2Change the form or qualities of; make partial or minor changes to something
Multimodal
view_agenda book_2Uses a combination of at least two modes (e.g. spoken, written), delivered at the same time, to communicate ideas and information to a live or virtual audience, for a particular purpose; the selected modes are integrated so that each mode contributes significantly to the response
Narrow
view_agenda book_2Limited in range or scope; lacking breadth of view; limited in amount; barely sufficient or adequate; restricted
Nuanced
view_agenda book_2Showing a subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, response, etc.; finely differentiated; characterised by subtle shades of meaning or expression; a subtle distinction, variation or quality; sensibility to, awareness of, or ability to express delicate shadings, as of meaning, feeling, or value
Objectives
view_agenda book_2See 'syllabus objectives', 'unit objectives', 'assessment objectives'
Obvious
view_agenda book_2Clearly perceptible or evident; easily seen, recognised or understood
Optimal
view_agenda book_2Best, most favourable, under a particular set of circumstances
Organise
view_agenda book_2Arrange, order; form as or into a whole consisting of interdependent or coordinated parts, especially for harmonious or united action
Organised
view_agenda book_2Systematically ordered and arranged; having a formal organisational structure to arrange, coordinate and carry out activities
Outcome
view_agenda book_2Result of something; a consequence
Outlier
view_agenda book_2A value that 'lies outside' (is much smaller or larger than) most of the other values in a set of data
Outstanding
view_agenda book_2Exceptionally good; clearly noticeable; prominent; conspicuous; striking
Partial
view_agenda book_2Not total or general; existing only in part; attempted, but incomplete
Particular
view_agenda book_2Distinguished or different from others or from the ordinary; noteworthy
Pattern
view_agenda book_2A repeated occurrence or sequence (ACARA 2015c)
Percentage error
view_agenda book_2A mathematical indication of how accurate the measurements were with respect to the accepted value of a quantity Percentage error (%) = \(\frac{\text{measured value} - \text{true value}}{\text{true value}} \times 100\) (Taylor 1982)
Perceptive
view_agenda book_2Having or showing insight and the ability to perceive or understand; discerning (see also 'discriminating')
Performance
view_agenda book_2An assessment technique that requires students to demonstrate a range of cognitive, technical, creative and/or expressive skills and to apply theoretical and conceptual understandings, through the psychomotor domain; it involves student application of identified skills when responding to a task that involves solving a problem, providing a solution or conveying meaning or intent; a performance is developed over an extended and defined period of time
Persuasive
view_agenda book_2Capable of changing someone's ideas, opinions or beliefs; appearing worthy of approval or acceptance; (of an argument or statement) communicating reasonably or credibly (see also 'convincing')
Perusal time
view_agenda book_2Time allocated in an assessment to reading items and tasks and associated assessment materials; no writing is allowed; students may not make notes and may not commence responding to the assessment in the response space/book
Phenomena
view_agenda book_2Events that are not artificial and can be observed through the senses or can be scientifically described or explained
Planning time
view_agenda book_2Time allocated in an assessment to planning how to respond to items and tasks and associated assessment materials; students may make notes but may not commence responding to the assessment in the response space/book; notes made during planning are not collected, nor are they graded or used as evidence of achievement
Polished
view_agenda book_2Flawless or excellent; performed with skilful ease
Practical
view_agenda book_2In science, an activity that produces primary data
Precise
view_agenda book_2Definite or exact; definitely or strictly stated, defined or fixed; characterised by definite or exact expression or execution
Precision
view_agenda book_2Accuracy; exactness; exact observance of forms in conduct or actions; in science, exactness; how close two or more measurements of the same object or phenomena are to each other
Predict
view_agenda book_2Give an expected result of an upcoming action or event; suggest what may happen based on available information
Primary data
view_agenda book_2Data collected directly by a person or group (ACARA 2015c)
Primary source
view_agenda book_2Information created by the person or persons directly involved in a study, investigation or experiment or observing an event (ACARA 2015c)
Process
view_agenda book_2In science, to collect and manipulate data to produce meaningful information; operate on a set of data to extract the required information in an appropriate form such as tables or graphs
Product
view_agenda book_2An assessment technique that focuses on the output or result of a process requiring the application of a range of cognitive, physical, technical, creative and/or expressive skills, and theoretical and conceptual understandings; a product is developed over an extended and defined period of time
Proficient
view_agenda book_2Well advanced or expert in any art, science or subject; competent, skilled or adept in doing or using something
Project
view_agenda book_2An assessment technique that focuses on a problem-solving process requiring the application of a range of cognitive, technical and creative skills that concerns the understanding, the response to a coherent work that and theoretical iterative process undertaken is develop a solution and includes written paragraphs and annotations, diagrams, sketches, drawings, photographs, video, spoken presentations, physical prototypes and/or models; a project is developed over an extended and defined period of time
Propose
view_agenda book_2Put forward (e.g. a point of view, idea, argument, suggestion) for consideration or action
Prove
view_agenda book_2Use a sequence of steps to obtain the required result in a formal way
Psychomotor Procedures
view_agenda book_2A domain of knowledge in Marzano
Purposeful
view_agenda book_2Having an intended or desired result; having a useful purpose; determined; resolute; full of meaning; significant; intentional
QCE
view_agenda book_2Queensland Certificate of Education
Qualitative Data
view_agenda book_2Information that is not numerical in nature
Quality of Evidence
view_agenda book_2The standard of evidence, as measured against relevant criteria
Quantitative Data
view_agenda book_2Numerical information (Taylor 1982)
Quantity
view_agenda book_2In science, having magnitude, size, extent, amount or the like
Random Error
view_agenda book_2Uncontrollable effects of the measurement equipment, procedure and environment on a measurement result; the magnitude of random error for a measurement result can be estimated by finding the spread of values around the average of independent, repeated measurements of the quantity (ACARA 2015c)
Rationale
view_agenda book_2A set of reasons, or logical basis for a course of action or decision
Raw Data
view_agenda book_2Unprocessed and/or unanalysed data; data that has been collected without any additional processing (Taylor 1982)
Realise
view_agenda book_2Create or make (e.g. a musical, artistic or dramatic work); actualise; make real or concrete; give reality or substance to
Reasonable
view_agenda book_2Endowed with reason; having sound judgment; fair and sensible; based on good sense; average; appropriate, moderate
Reasoned
view_agenda book_2Logical and sound; based on logic or good sense; logically thought out and presented with justification; guided by reason; well-grounded; considered
Recall
view_agenda book_2Remember; present remembered ideas, facts or experiences; bring something back into thought, attention or into one
Recognise
view_agenda book_2Identify or recall particular features of information from knowledge; identify that an item, characteristic or quality exists; perceive as existing or true; be aware of or acknowledge
Redirect
view_agenda book_2In science, to redirect an experiment is to modify the methodology to gain further insight into the phenomena observed in the original experiment
Referencing conventions
view_agenda book_2Agreed, consistent ways of referencing a source of information
Refine
view_agenda book_2In science, to refine an experiment is to modify the methodology to obtain more accurate or precise data
Refined
view_agenda book_2Developed or improved so as to be precise, exact or subtle
Reflect on
view_agenda book_2Think about deeply and carefully
Rehearsed
view_agenda book_2Practised; previously experienced; practised extensively
Related
view_agenda book_2Associated with or linked to
Relationship
view_agenda book_2Scientific relationships are a connection or association between ideas or between components of systems and structures (ACARA 2015c)
Relevance
view_agenda book_2Being related to the matter at hand
Relevant
view_agenda book_2Bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; to the purpose; applicable and pertinent; having a direct bearing on
Reliability
view_agenda book_2In science, the likelihood that another experimenter will obtain the same results (or very similar results) if they perform exactly the same experiment under the same conditions (ACARA 2015c, Taylor 1982)
Reliable
view_agenda book_2Constant and dependable or consistent and repeatable
Repetitive
view_agenda book_2Containing or characterised by repetition, especially when unnecessary or tiresome
Reporting
view_agenda book_2Providing information that succinctly describes student performance at different junctures throughout a course of study
Representation/s
view_agenda book_2In science, verbal, physical or mathematical demonstration of understanding of a science concept or concepts; a concept can be represented in a range of ways and using multiple models (ACARA 2015c)
Research
view_agenda book_2To locate, gather, record, and analyse information in order to develop understanding (ACARA 2015c)
Research ethics
view_agenda book_2Norms of conduct that determine ethical research behaviour; research ethics are governed by principles such as honesty, objectivity, integrity, openness and respect for intellectual property and include consideration of animal ethics (ACARA 2015c)
Research question
view_agenda book_2A question that directs the scientific inquiry activity; it focuses the research investigation or student experiment, informing the direction of the research, and guiding all stages of inquiry, analysis, interpretation and evaluation
Resolve
view_agenda book_2In the Arts, consolidate and communicate intent through a synthesis of ideas and application of media to express meaning
Risk assessment
view_agenda book_2Evaluations performed to identify, assess and control hazards in a systematic way that is consistent, relevant and applicable to all school activities; requirements for risk assessments related to particular activities will be determined by jurisdictions, schools or teachers as appropriate (ACARA 2015c)
Routine
view_agenda book_2Often encountered, previously experienced; commonplace; customary and regular; well-practised; performed as part of a regular procedure, rather than for a special reason
Rudimentary
view_agenda book_2Relating to rudiments or first principles; elementary; undeveloped; involving or limited to basic principles; relating to an immature, undeveloped or basic form
Safe
view_agenda book_2Secure; not risky
Scientific language
view_agenda book_2Terminology that has specific meaning in a scientific context
Scrutinise
view_agenda book_2To examine closely or critically
Secondary data
view_agenda book_2Data collected by a person or group other than the person or group using the data (ACARA 2015c, Macquarie 1981)
Secure
view_agenda book_2Sure; certain; able to be counted on; self-confident; poised; dependable; confident; assured; not liable to fail
Select
view_agenda book_2Choose in preference to another or others; pick out
Sensitive
view_agenda book_2Capable of perceiving with a sense or senses; aware of the attitudes, feelings or circumstances of others; having acute mental or emotional sensibility; relating to or connected with the senses or sensation
Sequence
view_agenda book_2Place in a continuous or connected series; arrange in a particular order
Show
view_agenda book_2Provide the relevant reasoning to support a response
Significant
view_agenda book_2Important; of consequence; expressing a meaning; indicative; includes all that is important; sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention; noteworthy; having a particular meaning; indicative of something
Significant figures
view_agenda book_2The use of place value to represent a measurement result accurately and precisely (ACARA 2015c)
Simple
view_agenda book_2Easy to understand, deal with and use; not complex or complicated; plain; not elaborate or artificial; may concern a single or basic aspect; involving few elements, components or steps
Simplistic
view_agenda book_2Characterised by extreme simplification, especially if misleading; oversimplified
Simulation
view_agenda book_2A representation of a process, event or system which imitates a real or idealised situation (ACARA 2015c)
Sketch
view_agenda book_2Execute a drawing or painting in simple form, giving essential features but not necessarily with detail or accuracy; in mathematics, represent by means of a diagram or graph; the sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship and should include features
Skilled
view_agenda book_2Having or showing the knowledge, ability or training to perform a certain activity or task well; having skill; trained or experienced; showing, involving or requiring skill
Skillful
view_agenda book_2Having technical facility or practical ability; possessing, showing, involving or requiring skill; expert, dexterous; demonstrating the knowledge, ability or training to perform a certain activity or task well; trained, practised or experienced
Solve
view_agenda book_2Find an answer to, explanation for, or means of dealing with (e.g. a problem); work out the answer or solution to (e.g. a mathematical problem); obtain the answer/s using algebraic, numerical and/or graphical methods
Sophisticated
view_agenda book_2Of intellectual complexity; reflecting a high degree of skill, intelligence, etc.; employing advanced or refined methods or concepts; highly developed or complicated
Source
view_agenda book_2Any piece of scientific literature or text from which scientific evidence is drawn
Specific
view_agenda book_2Clearly defined or identified; precise and clear in making statements or issuing instructions; having a special application or reference; explicit, or definite; peculiar or proper to something, as qualities, characteristics, effects, etc.
Sporadic
view_agenda book_2Happening now and again or at intervals; irregular or occasional; appearing in scattered or isolated instances
Statement
view_agenda book_2A communication or declaration setting forth facts, particulars; an expression
Straightforward
view_agenda book_2Without difficulty; uncomplicated; direct; easy to do or understand
Structure
view_agenda book_2Verb: Give a pattern, organisation or arrangement to; construct or arrange according to a plan; Noun: In languages, arrangement of words into larger units, e.g. phrases, clauses, sentences, paragraphs and whole texts, in line with cultural, intercultural and textual conventions
Structured
view_agenda book_2Organised or arranged so as to produce a desired result
Subject
view_agenda book_2A branch or area of knowledge or learning defined by a syllabus; school subjects are usually based in a discipline or field of study (see also 'course')
Subject Matter
view_agenda book_2The subject-specific body of information, mental procedures and psychomotor procedures that are necessary for students' learning and engagement within that subject
Substantial
view_agenda book_2Of ample or considerable amount, quantity, size, etc.; of real worth or value; firmly or solidly established; of real significance; reliable; important, worthwhile
Substantiated
view_agenda book_2Established by proof or competent evidence
Subtle
view_agenda book_2Fine or delicate in meaning or intent; making use of indirect methods; not straightforward or obvious
Successful
view_agenda book_2Achieving or having achieved success; accomplishing a desired aim or result
Succinct
view_agenda book_2Expressed in few words; concise; terse; characterised by conciseness or brevity; brief and clear
Sufficient
view_agenda book_2Enough or adequate for the purpose
Suitable
view_agenda book_2Appropriate; fitting; conforming or agreeing in nature, condition, or action
Summarise
view_agenda book_2Give a brief statement of a general theme or major point/s; present ideas and information in fewer words and in sequence
Summative Assessment
view_agenda book_2Assessment whose major purpose is to indicate student achievement; summative assessments contribute towards a student's subject result
Superficial
view_agenda book_2Concerned with or comprehending only what is on the surface or obvious; shallow; not profound, thorough, deep or complete; existing or occurring at or on the surface; cursory; lacking depth of character or understanding; apparent and sometimes trivial
Supported
view_agenda book_2Corroborated; given greater credibility by providing evidence
Sustained
view_agenda book_2Carried on continuously, without interruption, or without any diminishing of intensity or extent
Syllabus
view_agenda book_2A document that prescribes the curriculum for a course of study
Syllabus Objectives
view_agenda book_2Outline what the school is required to teach and what students have the opportunity to learn; described in terms of actions that operate on the subject matter; the overarching objectives for a course of study (see also 'unit objectives', 'assessment objectives')
Symbolise
view_agenda book_2Represent or identify by a symbol or symbols
Synthesise
view_agenda book_2Combine different parts or elements (e.g. information, ideas, components) into a whole, in order to create new understanding
System
view_agenda book_2A group of interacting objects, materials or processes that form an integrated whole; systems can be open or closed (ACARA 2015c)
Systematic
view_agenda book_2Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical; organized and logical; having, showing, or involving a system, method, or plan; characterised by system or method; methodical; arranged in, or comprising an ordered system
Systematic Errors
view_agenda book_2An error that is affected by the accuracy of a measurement process that causes readings to deviate from the accepted value by a consistent amount each time a measurement is made (Taylor 1982)
Test
view_agenda book_2Take measures to check the quality, performance or reliability of something
Theory
view_agenda book_2In science, a set of concepts, claims and/or laws that can be used to explain and predict a wide range of related observed or observable phenomena; theories are typically founded on clearly identified assumptions, are testable, produce reproducible results and have explanatory power (ACARA 2015c)
Thorough
view_agenda book_2Carried out through, or applied to the whole of something; carried out completely and carefully; including all that is required; complete with attention to every detail; not superficial or partial; performed or written with care and completeness; taking pains to do something carefully and completely
Thoughtful
view_agenda book_2Occupied with, or given to thought; contemplative; meditative; reflective; characterised by or manifesting thought
Topic
view_agenda book_2A division of, or sub-section within a unit; all topics/sub-topics within a unit are interrelated
Trend
view_agenda book_2General direction in which something is changing (ACARA 2015c)
Uncertainty
view_agenda book_2Range of values for a measurement result, taking account of the likely values that could be attributed to the measurement result given the measurement equipment, procedure and environment (ACARA 2015c); indicators of uncertainty may include percentage, and/or absolute measurement uncertainty, confidence intervals, inferential statistics, statistical measure of spread, e.g. range, standard deviation
Unclear
view_agenda book_2Not clear or distinct; not easy to understand; obscure
Understand
view_agenda book_2Perceive what is meant by something; grasp; be familiar with (e.g. an idea); construct meaning from messages, including oral, written and graphic communication
Understanding
view_agenda book_2Perception of what is meant by something
Uneven
view_agenda book_2Unequal; not properly corresponding or agreeing; irregular; varying; not uniform; not equally balanced
Unfamiliar
view_agenda book_2Not previously encountered; situations or materials that have not been the focus of prior learning experiences or activities
Unit
view_agenda book_2A defined amount of subject matter delivered in a specific context or with a particular focus; it includes unit objectives particular to the unit, subject matter and assessment direction
Unit objectives
view_agenda book_2Drawn from the syllabus objectives and contextualised for the subject matter and requirements of a particular unit; they are assessed at least once in the unit (see also syllabus objectives, assessment objectives)
Unrelated
view_agenda book_2Having no relationship; unconnected
Use
view_agenda book_2Operate or put into effect; apply knowledge or rules to put theory into practice
Vague
view_agenda book_2Not definite in statement or meaning; not explicit or precise; not definitely fixed, determined or known; uncertain, indefinite or unclear character or meaning; not clear in thought or understanding; couched in general or indefinite terms; not definitely or precisely expressed; deficient in details or particulars; thinking or communicating in an unfocused or imprecise way
Valid
view_agenda book_2Sound, just or well-founded; authoritative; having a sound basis in logic or fact (of an argument or point); reasonable or cogent; able to be supported; legitimate and defensible; applicable
Validity
view_agenda book_2In science, the extent to which tests measure what was intended; the extent to which data, inferences and actions produced from tests and other processes are accurate (ACARA 2015)
Variable
view_agenda book_2Adjective: Apt or liable to vary or change; changeable; inconsistent; (readily) susceptible or capable of variation; fluctuating, uncertain; Noun: In mathematics, a symbol, or the quantity it signifies, that may represent any one of a given set of number and other objects; in science, a factor that can be changed, kept the same or measured in an investigation, e.g., time, distance, light, temperature
Variety
view_agenda book_2A number or range of things of different kinds, or the same general class, that are distinct in character or quality; (of sources) a number of different modes or references
Visual representations
view_agenda book_2In science, an image that shows relationships within scientific evidence
Wide
view_agenda book_2Of great range or scope; embracing a great number or variety of subjects, cases, etc.; of full extent
With expression
view_agenda book_2In words, art, music or movement, conveying or indicating feeling, spirit, character, etc.; a way of expressing or representing something; vivid, effective or persuasive communication