In this article, we elaborate methodologies to study the argumentation speech of a teacher involved in argumentative activities. The standard tool of analysis of teachers' argumentation concerning pedagogical matters is Toulmin's model. The theory of argumentation schemes offers an alternative perspective on the analysis of arguments. We propose…

School mathematics examination papers are typically dominated by short, structured items that fail to assess sustained reasoning or problem solving. A contributory factor to this situation is the need for student work to be marked reliably by a large number of markers of varied experience and competence. We report a study that tested an…

Presents an alternative way for testing a student's understanding of theory in a tertiary mathematics course. Provides two sample questions and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the method. Argues that the method is an acceptable and flexible means of testing students and can be adapted to use in other contexts as well. (Author/ASK)

Examines the social framework and influence of public assessment within school systems and identifies three directions for assessment reform: (1) increasing authenticity and realism of assessment tasks; (2) increasing interpretive quality of assessment and information; and (3) increasing integration of teaching, learning, and assessment processes.…

Surveys the use of poster sessions with undergraduates in a mathematical modeling course, outlines the rationale for using posters with mathematics students, and describes experiences and proposes criteria to use in the assessment of student posters. (12 references) (Author/MKR)

Focuses on the role of mathematics problems in the development of better assessment and gives examples with respect to some key concepts and operations on percentage. Reports results from use of the problems with two seventh-grade classes. (33 references) (Author/MKR)

Describes the integrated package of mathematical assessment (Work projects, Progress activities, Self-regulating elements, and Observation) used with (n=4) secondary school teachers. Teachers focused on three levels of observation: local aims; general aims; and intentions, attitudes, and confidence as evidence of improved classroom environment.…

Given issues related to differences in learner characteristics, effective sampling across the content domain, and recent emphases on assessing meaningfully contextualised abilities and higher-order cognitive processes, the "traditional" mathematics test arguably does not provide a valid measure of student ability. Consequently, there is…

Shows that the task of keeping a journal, as defined within the writing-to-learn model, has two salient assessment features: (1) the journals differentiate between students at a particular grade level, and (2) they show a growth in sophistication over successive years. (14 references) (Author/MKR)

Projects and investigations, which provide evidence of communication in mathematics, are discussed as a means to the direct assessment of the true objectives of the curriculum. Included are discussions of appropriate assessment, authentic assessment, and assessment of oral communication. (23 references) (Author/MKR)

Presents 2 mathematical projects involving (n=25) fourth-grade and (n=26) sixth-grade students' concept mapping (on fractions and on geometry) that allowed monitoring of students' individual understanding over time and provided information about students' conceptual understanding. (37 references) (Author/MKR)