scholarly journals Priming Numbas for formative assessment in a first-year mathematics unit

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivien Challis ◽  
Roger Cook ◽  
Pranit Anand
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
First Year ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Assessment Design ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Mathematical Sciences ◽  
Automated Feedback ◽  
Computer Aided Learning

This paper outlines an initiative that involved implementing ‘Numbas’ as a computer-based tool to support mathematics learning. ‘Numbas’ was implemented within the existing learning management system at Queensland University of Technology, where students engaged in formative assessment activities independently and were provided with automated feedback along the way. An initial evaluation was undertaken by learning designers using the ‘Assessment Design Decisions Framework’, and although more rigorous evaluation is underway, results indicate positive outcomes, and appropriate adjustment is likely to be made before rolling it out to other units within the School of Mathematical Sciences. This paper will be of interest to other educators looking for ways to embed independent computer-aided learning of mathematics.

scholarly journals Creating mathematics formative assessments using LaTeX, PDF forms and computer algebra

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Herbert ◽  
Dmitry Demskoi ◽  
Kerrie Cullis
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Computer Algebra ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Individual Performance ◽  
Formative Assessments ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Mathematics Assessments ◽  
Assessment Task ◽  
Assessment Design

Formative assessment benefits both students and teaching academics. In particular, formative assessment in mathematics subjects enables both students and teaching academics to assess individual performance and understanding through students’ responses. Over the last decade, educational technologies and learning management systems (LMSs) are used to support formative assessment design. In mathematics, this is problematic because of the inflexibility of LMS and educational technology tools.  Automating formative assessment generation and marking to support mathematics learning is made possible by utilising specific software and technologies in new ways. This paper proposes a new method of creating mathematics formative assessments using LaTeX and PDF forms in conjunction with a computer algebra system (e.g., Maple), independent of an LMS.  This method is implemented in undergraduate mathematics subjects servicing non-mathematics–focused higher education courses. The method generates individualised assessments that are automatically marked. Results show that the method provides the teaching academic with a more efficient way of designing formative mathematics assessments without compromising the effectiveness of the assessment task. This study contributes to the growing research on mathematics in higher education. The implication is an increased understanding of how existing technology, implemented in new ways, can potentially benefit both mathematics students and teaching academics.

scholarly journals Effects of a change to more formative assessment among tertiary mathematics students

2020 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. C255-C272
Author(s):  
Mary Ruth Freislich ◽  
A. Bowen-James
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
First Year ◽  
Mathematics Students ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Solo Taxonomy ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Quality Of Learning

A change in teaching delivery at a large Australian university, from two semesters to three trimesters, was the occasion for using more formative assessment in a core first-year mathematics unit. This study compared evidence about learning outcomes for two cohorts in adjacent years. Cohort 1 was the last taught over a semester, and Cohort 2 the first taught over a trimester. There was no change in overall workload, and no change in the unit's total teaching hours, syllabus or materials. Assessments were changed for class tests during the teaching period by giving Cohort 2 access to unlimited practice and computer-assisted feedback on the questions in the test database, followed by doing the tests under examination conditions. For Cohort 2, a written assignment was also added, focused on giving a clear solution to a mathematics problem, and awareness of the need for appropriate evidence, both background and internal to the problem. Learning outcomes were compared using closely comparable tasks from the final examinations, and examining students' answers in the examination scripts. Outcomes were assessed by a method derived from the solo taxonomy, which afforded a common scale to measure the quality of learning outcomes observable in final examination scripts. Results on separate tasks, plus those for a composite score, favoured Cohort 2. The effect size for the composite score was 0.457. This indicates that the unlimited practice with computer feedback for class tests, and the writing assignment, were functioning as intended in promoting learning with understanding. References S. Bengmark, H. Thunberg, and T. M. Winberg. Success-factors in transition to university mathematics. Int. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech., 48(7):988–1001, 2017. doi:10.1080/0020739X.2017.1310311. J. B. Biggs and K. F. Collis. Evaluating the quality of learning: The SOLO taxonomy. Academic Press, New York, 1981. URL https://www.elsevier.com/books/evaluating-the-quality-of-learning/biggs/978-0-12-097552-5. A. Bowen-James. Perceptions of learning environments among tertiary mathematics students. Sc.Ed.D. Thesis. Curtin University of Technology, 2002. H. Chick, J. M. Watson, and K. F. Collis. Using the solo taxonomy for error analysis in mathematics. Res. Math. Ed. Aust., 1(1):34–47, 1988. M. R. Freislich. A comparison between the effects of Keller Plan instruction and traditional teaching methods on the structure of learning outcomes among tertiary mathematics students. Sc.Ed.D. Thesis. Curtin University of Technology, 1997. M. R. Freislich. The effects of Keller Plan instruction on the achievement and attitudes of tertiary mathematics students. Proc. Int. Conf. Teach. Math., Istanbul. 2006. M. Gill and M. Greenow. How effective is feedback in computer-aided assessment? Learn. Media Tech., 33(3):207–220, 2008. doi:10.1080/17439880802324145. J. Hannah, A. James, and P. Williams. Does computer-aided formative assessment improve learning outcomes? Int. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech., 45(2):269–281, 2014. doi:10.1080/0020739X.2013.822583. D. Harris and M. Pampaka. \T1\textquoteleft they [the lecturers] have to get through a certain amount in an hour\T1\textquoteright : first year students\T1\textquoteright problems with service mathematics lectures. Teach. Math. App., 35(3):144–158, 2016. doi:10.1093/teamat/hrw013. S. Higgins and M. Katsipataki. Communicating comparative findings from meta-analysis in educational research: some examples and suggestions. Int. J. Math.. Res. Meth. Ed., 39(3):237–254, 2016. doi:10.1080/1743727X.2016.1166486. P. W. Hillock and R. N. Khan. A support learning programme for first-year mathematics. Int. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech., 50(7):24–29, 2019. doi:10.1080/0020739X.2019.1656830. A. Hodge, J. C. Richardson, and C. S. York. The impact of a web-based homework tool in university algebra courses on student learning and strategies. J. Online Learn. Teach., 5(4):618–629, 2009. URL https://jolt.merlot.org/vol5no4/hodge_1209.htm. D. Holton and D. Clarke. Scaffolding and metacognition. Int. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech., 37(2):127–143, 2006. doi:10.1080/00207390500285818. A. H. Jonsdottir, A. Bjornsdottir, and G. Stefansson. Difference in learning among students doing pen-and-paper homework compared to web-based homework in an introductory statistics course. J. Stat. Ed., 25(1):12–20, 2017. doi:10.1080/10691898.2017.1291289. M. McAlinden and A. Noyes. Mathematics in the disciplines at the transition to university. Teach. Math. App., 38(2):61–73, 2019. doi:10.1093/teamat/hry004. J. Nicholas, L. Poladian, J. Mack, and R. Wilson. Mathematics preparation for university: entry pathways and their effect on performance in first year mathematics and science subjects. Int. J. Innov. Sci. Math. Ed., 23(1):37–51, 2015. https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/CAL/article/view/8488. M. I. Nunez-Pena, R. Bono, and M. Suarez-Pellicioni. Feedback on students' performance: a possible way of reducing the negative effect of math anxiety in higher education. Int. J. Ed. Res., 70(1):80–87, 2015. doi:10.1016/j.ijer.2015.02.005. J. T. E. Richardson. Student learning in higher education: a commentary. Ed. Psych. Rev., 29(1):353–362, 2017. doi:10.1007/s10648-017-9410-x. L. J. Rylands and D. Shearman. Mathematics learning support and engagement in first year engineering. Int. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech., 49(8):1133–1147, 2018. doi:10.1080/0020739X.2018.1447699. K. A. Seaton. Efficacy and efficiency in formative assessment: an informed reflection on the value of partial marking. Int. J. Math. Ed. Sci. Tech., 44(7):963–971, 2013. doi:10.1080/0020739X.2013.831490. D. Wood, J. S. Bruner, and G. Ross. The role of tutoring in problem solving. J. Child Psychol. Psych., 17(1):89–100, 1976. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.1976.tb00381.x. L. Zetterqvist. Applied problems and use of technology in an aligned way in basic courses in probability and statistics for engineering students—a way to enhance understanding and increase motivation. Teach. Math. App., 36(2):108–122, 2017. doi:10.1093/teamat/hrx004.

scholarly journals Using SOWISO to realize interactive mathematical documents for learning, practising, and assessing mathematics

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
André Heck
Keyword(s):  
Worked Examples ◽  
Instructional Materials ◽  
First Year ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Summative Assessments ◽  
Computer Aided ◽  
Automated Feedback ◽  
The Look ◽  
The University ◽  
Computer Aided Learning

Successes of computer aided learning in mathematics education have led to high expectations of teachers and learners. A teacher would like to be able to review what students actually do when learning online, how much progress they make, which difficulties arise during learning, and to which subjects attention must be paid in the next lessons. Learners expect that they can consult their instructional materials anywhere, anytime and device-independent, and that they receive immediate and intelligent feedback on their work. At the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam we realize the envisioned interactivity and support in SOWISO. This is a cloud-based environment in which a course has the look-and-feel of an interactive module: texts, randomised examples and randomised exercises with automated feedback are integrated, and online formative and summative assessments are fully supported. We describe and evaluate a SOWISO-based course in basics mathematics for first-year psychobiology students, in which formative assessment and learning through worked examples are key elements of the instructional design.

Contextual Learning Approach and Performance Assessment in Mathematics Learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Wayan Eka Mahendra
Keyword(s):  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Performance Assessment ◽  
Junior High School ◽  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Learning Outcome ◽  
Contextual Learning ◽  
Learning Approach ◽  
Better Than ◽  
A Performance

This study aims to determine the effect of formative assessment and learning approach to the mathematics learning outcome after controlling the numerical aptitude. It was a quasi-experiment with a sample of 186 students obtained by using multistage random sampling technique with 2x2 factorial designs. The data were analyzed by ANCOVA. After controlling the numerical aptitude, the results are: the mathematics learning outcome of the students who followed a contextual approach was better than the ones who followed a conventional learning approach, the mathematics learning outcome of the students who were given a performance assessment was better than the ones who were given a conventional assessment, the interaction between the learning approach and formative assessment affected the students learning outcome for mathematics, the students who followed a contextual learning approach were more suitable to be given a performance assessment, whereas the ones who followed a conventional learning approach were more appropriate to be given a conventional assessment. Based on the research findings, junior high school teachers are suggested to improve their students learning outcome for mathematics. Then, teachers need to use a learning approach and formative assessment accurately and correctly. 

scholarly journals Formatively assessing prospective teachers’ skills in leading mathematics discussions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan Shaughnessy ◽  
Nicole M. Garcia ◽  
Michaela Krug O’Neill ◽  
Sarah Kate Selling ◽  
Amber T. Willis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Teachers ◽  
Formative Assessment ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Prospective Teachers ◽  
First Year ◽  
Teacher Education Programs ◽  
First Year Teachers ◽  
Education Programs ◽  
Prospective Elementary Teachers ◽  
Making Sense

AbstractMathematics discussions are important for helping students to develop conceptual understanding and to learn disciplinary norms and practices. In recent years, there has been increased attention to teaching prospective teachers to lead discussions with students. This paper examines the possibilities of designing a formative assessment that gathers information about prospective elementary teachers’ skills with leading problem-based mathematics discussions and makes sense of such information. A decomposition of the practice of leading discussions was developed and used to design the assessment. Nine first-year teachers who graduated from a range of different teacher education programs participated in the study. The findings reveal that our formative assessment works to gather information about teachers’ capabilities with leading discussions and that the associated tools support making sense of the information gathered. This suggests that such tools could be useful to support the formative assessment of the developing capabilities of prospective teachers.

scholarly journals e-Learning readiness amongst nursing students at the Durban University of Technology

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
pp. 300-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marilynne Coopasami ◽  
Stephen Knight ◽  
Mari Pete
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Education ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Traditional Learning ◽  
First Year ◽  
Technological Readiness ◽  
Technological Culture ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
E Learning

e-Learning and other innovative open learning multimedia modalities of delivering education are being introduced to enhance learning opportunities and facilitate student access to and success in education. This article reports on a study that assessed students' readiness to make the shift from traditional learning to the technological culture of e-Learning at a university in Durban. A quasi-experimental study design was employed to assess such readiness in first year nursing students before and after an appropriate educational intervention. A modified Chapnick Readiness Score was used to measure their psychological, equipment and technological readiness for the change in learning method. It was found that, while students' psychological readiness for e-Learning was high, they lacked technological and equipment readiness. Although e-Learning could be used in nursing education, technological and equipment readiness require attention before it can be implemented effectively in this institution. Fortunately, these technical aspects are easier to resolve than improving psychological readiness.

scholarly journals HIV/AIDS awareness among first year pharmacy students and the role of the university

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selente Bezuidenhout ◽  
Rob Summers
Keyword(s):  
The Body ◽  
Pharmacy Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Tertiary Institutions ◽  
University Of Technology ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge ◽  
Aids Awareness ◽  
The University ◽  
Hiv Aids

As HIV/AIDS continues to spread and affect the lives of millions of people, a sense of urgency has developed about the imperative need to stop the epidemic. Education is the key to change knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. There is currently a gap in educationprogrammes targeting youths of ages 18-24 years, for example, those enrolled in tertiary institutions. The aim of the study was therefore to establish the level of HIV/AIDS awareness among undergraduate pharmacy students at the University of Limpopo (Medunsa Campus)/ Tshwane University of Technology Schools of Pharmacy. A structured questionnaire was administered to pharmacy students on entry to the programme. Although the students of 2003, 2004 and 2005 obtained mean percentage HIV/AIDS awareness scores in the range of 70%-80%, they had inadequate knowledge of some transmission routes, events that occur when HIV invades the body, the “window period” and some symptoms. These knowledge gaps should be addressed by universities by integrating HIV/AIDS policies and education fully into all aspects of their planning, operations andteaching.

scholarly journals INSIGHTS ON TEACHING CHESS TO UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
William Bart
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
First Year ◽  
State University ◽  
Correct Usage ◽  
Undergraduate University Students ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Computer Based

The purpose of this study was to explore how undergraduate university students react to chess instruction. Certain patterns emerged from 10 offerings of a Freshman Seminar entitled “Beginners’ Chess and 21st Century Thinking Skills”. The course enrolled only first-year and second-year undergraduate students at a large public state university in the USA. The students tended to have little or no knowledge of chess prior to the course. The course made extensive use of chess-related websites available on the Internet such as chess.com, lichess.org, and chessgames.com. The instruction involved the projection of a chess-related website projected onto a large classroom screen with the use of an instructor’s computer connected to a projector that projected the computer-based image onto the screen. The course had 10-20 students in each annual offering of the course that lasted 15 weeks. The student evaluations of the course were very positive, indicating that the students enjoyed the course very much. The course involved instruction in chess on topics such as tactics and basic checkmates along with instruction on the cognitive psychological foundations of chess on topics such as problem solving and critical thinking. The primary task in the course was that each student had to prepare a critical evaluation of two of their own chess games that included correct usage of proper algebraic notation for the chess moves. The chess activity that the students enjoyed the most was group competition.

scholarly journals Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Matematika Berbasis Macromedia Flash Materi Luas dan Keliling untuk Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Siswa

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krisma Widi Wardani ◽  
Danang Setyadi
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Learning ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Student Response ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Development Research ◽  
Research Instrument ◽  
Learning Mathematics ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
The Media ◽  
Is Development

One of the computer-based mathematics learning media developed is Macromedia Flash-based learning media. Macromedia Flash-based learning media that have been available so far have not been students to be actively involved in using the media. This has encouraged researchers to develop new Macromedia Flash-based media. This research is development research. The development model used in 4D, namely Defines, Design, Develop and Disseminate. The subjects consisted of 60 students in grade 4 at SD Mardirahayu 01 and 02 Ungaran. The research instrument consisted of media validation sheets, material validation sheets, student response sheets, and motivation questionnaires. Research data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed that the media developed were valid and could increase students' motivation in learning mathematics in a broad and mobile material.

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