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Using Photographs and Diagrams to Test Young Children's Mass Thinking

Using Photographs and Diagrams to Test Young Children's Mass Thinking

Authors :
Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Cheeseman, Jill
McDonough, Andrea
Source :
Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia. 2013Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA, 36th, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 2013).
Publication Year :
2013

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a pencil-and-paper test developed to assess young children's understanding of mass measurement. The innovative element of the test was its use of photographs. We found many children of the 295 6-8 year-old children tested could "read" the photographs and diagrams and recognise the images as representations of their classroom experiences. While the test had its limitations, it also required explanation, deductive reasoning, and justification of thinking through the open response questions. We have demonstrated that it is possible to develop pencil-and-paper tests that use photographs and diagrams to closely connect written assessment to classroom experiences of young children. Such assessment tools can reveal a range of children's thinking and can be a useful addition to the various authentic assessment practices.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia
Publication Type :
Conference
Accession number :
ED572800
Document Type :
Speeches/Meeting Papers<br />Reports - Research