The School

Investigating the treatment of missing data in an Olympiad-type test – the case of the selection validity in the South African Mathematics Olympiad

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Authors: Caroline Long, Johann Engelbrecht, Vanessa Scherman and Tim Dunne The objectives of the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO) are to generate enthusiasm and interest in mathematics; to enrich the study of mathematics; to promote mathematical problem-solving proficiency; to equip contestants for university level mathematical thinking; and to identify and inform selection of the finest …

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An application of the Rasch measurement theory to an assessment of geometric thinking levels

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Authors: Gerrit Stols, Caroline Long and Tim Dunne A six-month geometry course was given to pre-service teachers at the University of Pretoria. To see what, if any, difference it had made to the students’ proficiency. The CDASSG Van Hiele Geometry Test was administered both before and after the course. This test evaluates students’ performance in …

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Mathematics, curriculum and assessment: The role of taxonomies in the quest for coherence

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Authors: Caroline Long, Tim Dunne and Hendrik de Kock Bloom’s taxonomy is one of the taxonomies most frequently used for assessment, curriculum design and defining goals for instructional activities. However, it does not provide adequate feedback to teachers on how to improve or direct instructional activities; and neither does it fully relate to the assessment …

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An investigation of Mathematical Literacy assessment supported by an application of Rasch measurement

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Authors: Caroline Long, Sarah Bansilal and Rajan Debba Mathematical Literacy (ML) is a fairly new subject in secondary schools and work needs to be done on ways of assessing students’ competence. Tests need to be very carefully designed and marked if they are to be a reliable instrument and provide useful information to teachers and …

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Mathematics assessment at elementary level as informed by theoretical and teachers’ perspective

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Author: Luneta Kakoma Legislators, economist and other stake holders have great interest in assessment because they see it as a means of ensuring accountability. Assessment also serves as indicator of the quality and quantity of school programs and teaching personnel. Assessment is not only relevant to policy makers, it is also a diagnostic tool for …

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Early numeracy performance of South African school beginners

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Authors: Pirjo Aunio, Riika Mononen, Lara Ragpot and Minna Törmänen What kind of mathematical skills do children have when they enter school? It is important to find out, because those who lack numeracy skills at an early stage are known to lag behind throughout higher education. The main aim of this study was to investigate …

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Counting skills intervention for low-performing first graders

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Authors: Riikka Mononen and Pirjo Aunio Research has shown that learners with a low score in early mathematical skills, such as counting skills, will continue to perform poorly in mathematics at the higher grades – unless they receive the correct support. In addition, a low-performing level in mathematics also affects performance in other learning areas, …

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Implementing the Singapore Mathematics Curriculum in South Africa: Experiences of Foundation Phase Teachers

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Authors: Charmon Naroth and Kakoma Luneta Due to the low-level and inadequate mathematics knowledge and skills of learners, attention has been drawn to mathematical literacy and numeracy competencies. Many schools are adopting the Singapore Mathematics Curriculum (SMC) to compensate and enrich Mathematics lessons. This study focused on the challenges, recommendations and personal experiences that teachers …

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