Mathematics Assessment for Learning: Rich Tasks and Work Samples.

Neal, Denise

Mathematics Assessment for Learning: Rich Tasks and Work Samples

Ann Downton, Rose Knight, Doug Clarke & Gerard Lewis

Published by Mathematics Teaching & learning Centre (Australian Catholic University) & Catholic Education Office,

Melbourne 2006, 152 pp., spiral-bound paperback, ISBN-13: 978-0-9756718-5-6

Year levels: K-8

Available from AAMT: $39.00 for members

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This is a valuable addition to any primary/ middle school library and has also been a real hit with student teachers. It presents a range of great tasks which are open-ended and have been "road tested" with many Australian students. Readers are provided with a scoring rubric for each task, along with the mathematical background for the task and work samples which illustrate student performance at each level of the rubric.

These three aspects of the book make it useful as an assessment tool and as a professional development resource for teachers. For those just starting out as mathematics teachers, the tasks themselves provide a model for designing rich and purposeful tasks linked to key mathematical ideas. For other teachers who wish to explore the idea of careful analysis of work samples to inform future teaching, the samples provided in the book can be used to promote discussion and build confidence in making assessment decisions.

Teachers are always searching for new or different tasks--ones which can be adapted to meet the needs of students. This book not only provides them with great tasks, but the inclusion of stories from the classroom and work samples makes it an even more valuable resource. It is not just another book of great activities but a professional learning resource suitable for junior primary to junior secondary teachers.

Review by Denise Neal, Department of Education, Tasmania.