KSET key terms

The method and practice of teaching. It covers how a teacher plans content, selects strategies, manages the classroom and assesses learning, taking account of learners' age, subject matter and setting.

The theory and practice of teaching adults. It assumes adult learners are self-directed, bring experience to learning, and need content that is relevant to their roles and problems.

A hierarchical classification of learning objectives in the cognitive domain. Remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating are arranged from simple recall to complex production of new work.

Assessment carried out during teaching to monitor learning and give feedback, so teaching can be adjusted before the final evaluation. It is low-stakes and continuous rather than judgmental.

A learning theory holding that learners actively build knowledge by connecting new information with what they already know, rather than passively receiving it from the teacher.

A testable statement predicting a relationship between two or more variables. It guides the design of a study and can be supported or rejected by evidence.

A statement that there is no real difference or relationship between the variables being studied. Statistical tests are designed to test it, and it is rejected when evidence is strong.

A description of a variable in terms of the specific operations or measurements used to observe it, so that other researchers can repeat the study in the same way.

The consistency of a measuring instrument or test. A reliable tool produces similar results when repeated on the same conditions, or when different items measure the same thing.

The extent to which an instrument measures what it is intended to measure. A test may be consistent yet still invalid if it measures something other than the target construct.

A cyclical, practitioner-led enquiry in which a teacher identifies a local problem, tries a solution, studies the result and refines practice, often using planning, acting, observing and reflecting.

Presenting another person's words, ideas, data or images as one's own without proper acknowledgement. It is a serious breach of research ethics and can attract penalties.

A conclusion drawn from information given in a passage together with general knowledge or reasoning, even though the conclusion is not stated directly in the text.

A hint about the meaning of an unfamiliar word that comes from the words, sentences or ideas surrounding it in the passage.

The attitude or feeling a writer conveys through word choice and style, for example critical, neutral, humorous, sympathetic or ironic, which a reader must identify to interpret the passage.

The response a receiver sends back to the sender about a message. It tells the sender whether the message was understood and allows correction during communication.

Any interference in the communication process that distorts or blocks a message, including physical sound, poor network signals, ambiguous wording or emotional distraction.

Communication through means other than words, such as facial expression, gestures, posture, eye contact, touch, space and tone of voice, which often carries emotional meaning.

Listening with full attention in which the receiver concentrates, avoids interruption, notes key points and checks understanding by summarising or asking questions.

Interest calculated on the principal plus the interest already earned, so the amount grows faster than with simple interest. The amount is P multiplied by (1 plus rate) raised to the number of periods.

An arrangement of a set of items in a definite order. The number of permutations of n distinct items taken r at a time equals n factorial divided by (n minus r) factorial.

A number between 0 and 1 expressing how likely an event is, calculated for equally likely outcomes as the number of favourable outcomes divided by the total number of outcomes.

A form of deductive argument with two premises and a conclusion, where the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises if they are true, as in: all A are B; all B are C; therefore all A are C.

An error in reasoning that makes an argument invalid or misleading, such as attacking the person instead of the point, or generalising from too few examples.

Reasoning that moves from general premises to a specific conclusion which must follow if the premises are true; it aims at certainty rather than probability.

An unstated belief or premise that an argument depends on. If the assumption is false, the argument's conclusion loses support, so identifying it is a common test of reasoning.

The middle value in a data set arranged in order. If the number of values is even, the median is the average of the two middle values.

The change in a quantity expressed as a percentage of its original value, calculated as new value minus old value, divided by the old value, then multiplied by hundred.

A circular chart divided into sectors whose angles are proportional to the share each category contributes to the total, useful for showing composition at one point in time.

Massive Open Online Course. A free or low-cost online course open to unlimited participants, usually delivered through a platform with video lectures, readings, discussion forums and automated assessment.

Learning Management System. Software used by institutions to host course material, deliver assignments and quizzes, track learner progress and support online discussion.

The gap between people who have effective access to digital technology, connectivity and the skills to use it, and those who do not.

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, balancing economic growth, social equity and environmental protection.

A formal process of predicting the likely environmental effects of a proposed project before approval, and of proposing measures to reduce harm; it is required for many large projects in India.

The total greenhouse gases released directly or indirectly by a person, organisation, product or activity, usually expressed as tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

National Assessment and Accreditation Council. An autonomous body under the UGC that grades higher education institutions in India on criteria such as teaching, research, infrastructure and governance.

National Institutional Ranking Framework. A government ranking of Indian higher education institutions based on teaching, research, outreach, inclusivity and perception.

Internal Quality Assurance Cell. A unit created in accredited colleges and universities to plan and monitor quality improvements and to prepare the institution for accreditation.

The number of students enrolled at a given level of education expressed as a percentage of the eligible age-group population, used to measure access to education.

The subject a candidate selects from the notified KSET list for Paper II, tested at postgraduate depth and normally the subject of the candidate's master's degree.