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

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

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

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

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

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

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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For Note Taking, Low-Tech is Often Best

This piece was slightly edited and reposted from Brookings, where it was originally published. Do computers help or hinder classroom learning in college? Step into any college lecture and you’ll find a sea of students with laptops and tablets open, typing as the professor speaks. With their enhanced ability to transcribe content and look up concepts …

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Re-imagining Integration

School integration is complex work, tricky to navigate for many educators. Lee Teitel has been studying the schools and districts that are creating high-quality, integrated learning environments for students. He leads an initiative called Reimagining Integration: the Diverse and Equitable Schools (RIDES), which works in partnership with schools and districts and to explore how communities come to value diverse …

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