To address student misconceptions and promote student learning, use discussion questions as an alternative to reviewing assessments. This article describes how using discussion questions as an alternative to going over the test can address student misconceptions and can promote student learning.

Many studies have claimed that traditional testing actually promotes students' use of superficial approaches to learning. When preparing to take tests, students typically memorize and cram rather than understanding the material and gaining new perspectives. This article describes how the author recast traditional tests by having students take a…

This article discusses assessments that can be used to help encourage a collaborative classroom community, in which students help one another learn mathematics. The authors describe participation quizzes and explanation quizzes as assessment tools that encourage students to work together, share specific questions on challenging mathematics…

Calculus, perhaps more than other areas of mathematics, has a reputation for being steeped with procedures. In fact, through the years, it has been noticed of many students getting caught in the trap of trying to memorize algorithms and rules without developing associated concept knowledge. Specifically, students often struggle with the…

Singapore students have scored exceedingly well on international tests in mathematics. In response, there has been a desire in the United States--both at the policy level and at the school level--to emulate Singapore. Because what can be identified most easily about Singapore's school mathematics can be gleaned from curriculum documents from the…

The article discusses the need for mathematical literacy in our world today and shares results from the 2003 PISA assessment of mathematical literacy. Some ideas are presented for incorporating similar problems in the classroom. (Contains 4 figures and 3 tables.)

Discusses teachers' perspectives of alternative assessment, including loss of predictability in the classroom, content coverage, familiarizing students with the teacher's expectations, dealing with increased demands on time, and communicating with parents. (AIM)

Suggests important roles for the mathematics test: certifying procedural skills, informing instruction, and preparation for sense-making. Offers cautions about the limitations of the teacher-produced test. (MKR)

Suggests ways to analyze and modify typical classroom tests that are objective, easy to implement, and in accordance with the types of changes and recommendations being discussed to improve assessment. Sections include Criteria for Analyzing Classroom Tests; Modifying Test Items; Needed Steps; Cautions; and Conclusions. Uses actual classroom test…

Discusses the value of student self-assessment in promoting students' confidence in their ability to do mathematics and allowing them to become more independent in their learning of mathematics. The article describes various methods by which a student may self-evaluate and how the teacher might respond in fairly detailed examples. (AIM)

Presented is an example of a typical geometry theorem which can be used to create geometry test questions and geometry contest questions. Thirteen problems are suggested. (CW)

This article explores an application of combinations, geometric series, and elementary probability that arises in a Biblical setting. Describes examples of the applications such as the use of "urim and thummin." (YP)

Shares students' experiences with working geometrical proofs in cooperative groups. Presents an example of week-long group take-home test. (ASK)

Discussed are experiences in using the calculator to assess mathematical understanding on the Missouri Mastery and Achievement Tests (MMAT). Data from a calculator group and a no-calculator group at the eighth- and tenth-grade levels are reported. Several items showed differences between groups. (YP)

Describes how a researcher used student cooperative-learning teams to contribute test items. Discusses the questions generated by students and concludes that teachers have the flexibility to encourage students to generate and solve their own problems. Also concludes that students have the opportunity to be creative and formulate and pose questions…