0.1 Assessment and assessment support  (Page 6/8)

• the effort of the learner to produce answers.
• the quality of the corrections of work that was previously incorrect.
• the ability of the learner to explain the content of some selected examples (whether in writing or orally).

The following rubric can be used to assess exercises done in class or as homework:

Journal entries

A journal entry is an attempt by a learner to express in the written word what is happening in Mathematics. It is important to be able to articulate a mathematical problem, and its solution in the written word.

This can be done in a number of different ways:

• Today in Maths we learnt ______________________
• Write a letter to a friend, who has been sick, explaining what was done in class today.
• Explain the thought process behind trying to solve a particular maths problem, e.g. sketch the graph of $y=x^2–{\mathrm{2x}}^2+1$ and explain how to sketch such a graph.
• Give a solution to a problem, decide whether it is correct and if not, explain the possible difficulties experienced by the person who wrote the incorrect solution.

A journal is an invaluable tool that enables the educator to identify any mathematical misconceptions of the learners. The marking of this kind of exercise can be seen as subjective but a marking rubric can simplify the task.

The following rubric can be used to mark journal entries. The learners must be given the marking rubric before the task is done.

Translations

Translations assess the learner’s ability to translate from words into mathematical notation or to give an explanation of mathematical concepts in words. Often when learners can use mathematical language and notation correctly, they demonstrate a greater understanding of the concepts.

For example:

Write the letter of the correct expression next to the matching number:

x increased by 10 a) xy

The product of x and y b) $x^2$

The sum of a certain number and c) $x^2$

double that number d) 29x

Half of a certain number multiplied by itself e) ½ x 2

Two less than x f) x + x + 2

A certain number multiplied by itself g) x 2

Two consecutive even numbers h) x 29

x + x + x + …… to 29 terms i) x + 2x

x.x.x.x.x….. to 29 factors j) x + 10

A certain number divided by 2