former+member's+research+terms

Educational validity is used as an accountable measure for determining how things relate. Specifically, it shows how standardized tests measure student achievement. For example, when teachers use standardized tests how students perform in relation to the objective result can be said to be valid. Educators have a direct impact on methods of instruction that enhance student learning to meet local and nationwide standards. Validity is therefor crucial because it ensures what is being taught is relative to test performance objectives.
 * Validity- degree to which an instrument, selection process, statistical technique, or test measures what it is supposed to measure (615 glossary).**
 * ~Paula

Procedural models - organizational structure for the practice (615 glossary).** In order for instruction to take place, procedures for learning have to be identified. This includes how teachers will implement the model to actually plan their lessons (Robyler, 2006). Used in research, these models may indicate a preference of learning and therefore encourage teachers to design lessons centered around these concepts. Additionally, it may lead educators to reform their mode of teaching to merge traditional and technology methods of instruction. **~Paula**

These tests are significant in research because CRTs measure students against a standard of learning rather than comparing them to other students. According to (Hambleton & Novic, 1973), this method increases reliability and validity in that student performance is more accurately assessed. Because Criterion-referenced tests can be used as an accountable measure, teachers can utilize them in effective ways. The benefit to students is a more focused approach to helping them improve individually. Hambleton, R.K., & Novick, M.R. (1973). Toward an Integration of Theory and Method for Criterion-Referenced Tests. //Journal of Educational Measurement, 10, 159-170.// Retrieved February 13, 2010, from [|http://jstor.org]
 * Criterion-referenced tests (CRT) - test that is designed to determine if a student has mastered a defined set of skills (615 glossary).**
 * ~Paula

Educational research issues- topics, tensions, dilemmas, issues and challenges that characterize and affect learning and educational policy and are worthy of further investigation (615 glossary).** Emphasis on a certain style or approach to educational research over another continues to be a source of conflict for theorists and educators alike. A question lies in whether one learning approach defines a better way for students to gain critical learning experiences. The matter of learning is imperative for teachers especially as the ones who are providing instruction. However, it is equally important to others seeking to maximized student learning by exploring other models and forms of instruction. In a classroom, teachers can invite students to contribute ideas and suggestions for learning events. By involving students more in the process of learning they actually discover differences that arise among themselves. **~Paula**

**Reliability** - **Consistency and validity of test results determined through statistical methods after repeated trials. (615 Glossary)**  It is science fair time in my school and the term reliability came into play during discussions of the science fair requirements. There were several conversations that took place in reference to when the students actually conduct the experiment. We spoke of how their data and results need to be accurate and reliable because others may attempt to recreate their project and it needs to be reliable. This conversation helped my students understand the importance of completing the recommended number of trials, which was three, for their project. Shaun

**Control group - In experimentation, group of subjects or conditions that is matched as closely as possible with experimental group, but is not exposed to any experimental treatment. (615 Glossary)** As a science teacher with classes currently bringing science fair projects to a close, there have been several discussions on the control of an experiment. Students have talked about this subject in reference to their controlled variables specifically. I also had a few students whose projects required humans that needed to be a part of the control group and not the manipulated group.This research term is a very good lesson for the class during science fair time. Shaun