Mathematics
Rich Tasks in Mathematics - Assessment and Reporting
Our hardworking, excellent teaching staff are currently preparing Semester 1 reports for your child.
Teachers at St James use many different data types to evaluate and report student achievement and progress. One method, in particular, is the use of mathematically rich tasks.
Rich tasks have a range of characteristics that offer opportunities to meet the different needs of our learners.
Rich tasks:
- are accessible to a wide range of learners
- draw learners in with an intriguing starting point
- offer opportunities for initial success
- challenge learners to think for themselves
- offer different levels of challenge (low threshold - high ceiling tasks)
- allow learners to pose their own questions
- allow for different methods and a variety of responses
- offer opportunities to identify elegant or efficient solutions
- have the potential to broaden learners' skills or deepen their mathematical understanding
- encourage creativity and imaginative application of knowledge
- have the potential for revealing patterns or leading to generalisations
- encourage collaboration and discussion
- encourage learners to develop confidence and independence.
Once student work is gathered, teachers spend many hours moderating student samples as a team.
We use moderation at St James to develop consistency of assessment judgements across different teachers and programs. Through this process, our teachers develop shared understandings of the expectations of student achievement at various stages of schooling.
See below for some examples of rich mathematical tasks and student samples:
Marvellous Mathematics - Week 6 and 7
We have been busy mathematicians at St James this fortnight, working hard to grow our knowledge and understanding of mathematics. Have a look at some snaps from this week!
Backward Number Word Sequences in Foundation
Mental Maths Games in Year 1 and 2
Investigating Time in Year 3 and 4
Can you solve Mrs. Mihalicek’s Problem of the Week?
Email your solutions to bmihalicek@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au
Belinda Mihalicek
Mathematics Leader
bmihalicek@stjamesbrighton.catholic.edu.au