Open(-ended) comprehension questions

~ are a task-type in which learners read or listen to a text and answer questions (using their own words). It is also a task or question that does not have a right or wrong answer, but which allows learners to offer their own opinions and ideas or to respond creatively, e.g. Why do you think the writer likes living in Paris?

Oral test

A test of speaking ability.

Outcome

Result. This is what the teacher hopes will be the result in terms of learning at the end of the lesson.

Overhead projector (OHP)

A piece of equipment that makes images appear on a wall or screen. It can be used in a classroom instead of a whiteboard or blackboard.

Overhead transparency (OHT)

The plastic sheet a teacher can write on and use with an overhead projector (OHP).

P

Pace

The speed of the lesson. A teacher can vary the pace in a lesson by planning different activities in order to keep the learners’ attention.

Pair Work

A learning activity in which students work together in pairs for practice or discussion

Pairs

• Closed pairs – When learners in the class do pair work with the person sitting next to them but not in front of the class. • Open pairs – In open pairs, one pair does a pair work activity in front of the class. This technique is useful for showing how to do an activity and/or for focusing on accuracy.

Parent-teacher conference

A face-to-face meeting between a teacher and one or both parents (or guardians) of a student to discuss the student's academic performance and any concerns either party might have.

Passive vocabulary

The vocabulary that students are able to understand compared to that which they are able to use. Contrasted with Active Vocabulary

Peer assessment

~ refers to judgements about learner performance, normally according to set and explicit criteria, made by same or similar age learners. See also assessment.

Peers

~ are same or similar age learners.

Peer teaching

Classroom teaching in which one student teaches another, particularly within an individualized approach to teaching. For example, when students have learnt something, they may teach it to other students, or test other students on it.

Perception

The recognition and understanding of events, objects, and stimuli through the use of senses (sight, hearing, touch, etc.)

Performance assessment

When students demonstrate their mastery of material through a “hands-on activity” (assembling an electrical circuit, for example). See also assessment.