# Transcript

Clare Lee

Hello. I am Clare Lee. I have taught mathematics for many years and researched effective mathematics teaching and I've brought both of these together in authoring this course.

Assessment is a challenging aspect of a mathematics teacher’s work. Mathematics is not simply a fixed collection of facts but a complex discipline. Consequently assessment in secondary mathematics should not be concerned only with what facts students can recall. Rather attention needs to be paid to the different elements of mathematics including students’ conceptual understanding of key ideas and their connections, investigative skills and understanding of the nature and processes that make up mathematics.

There also has to be some notion of what it means to make progress in these elements which must be agreed and shared to provide a framework for assessment. As a teacher it is important that you have a clear understanding of what progress means and how best to help students move forward.

Through studying this course you will draw on your own experiences of and ideas about assessment in order to consider the impact on students and their learning. You will consider what is assessed in mathematics and the principles underpinning how assessment can support students learning.

You will also be introduced to different techniques that can be used to assess students’ understanding rather than simply what they can recall.

In the final session you are asked to consider the value and importance of involving students in the assessment process and ways in which this can be achieved.

I hope you enjoy this course and find it useful in developing your assessment practise.