Title: Understanding Assessment in Math for Grade 4 Learners

Introduction to Assessment:

Hello, Grade 4 learners! We're going to discuss an important subject today:

Assessment. However, what is assessment? It's sort of like a mental treasure hunt!
Assessment allows us to find out how much you've learnt and what amazing things
your brain can do.

Purposes of Assessment in Intermediate Phase:

Assessment has three superhero purposes:

Knowing what you've learned: It makes your teachers aware of the

awesome mathematical skills you've developed.

To help you grow: Assessment directs your learning process and ensures that you
continue to improve your math skills.

To discuss your achievements: It's similar to showing off your superpowers! We want
everyone to know what a talented math pro you are.

Learning-Centered Approach to Assessment:

Consider assessment as a helpful mentor who is always there to support you. With a
learning-centered approach, tests act as friends who boost your understanding and
enjoyment of maths. It's not just about tests but also about making learning engaging
and enjoyable.

Perspectives of Assessment:

Assessment of Learning: It involves taking a moment to review your math abilities.

Example: Your level of understanding is demonstrated through a math test at the end
of each section.

Assessment for Learning: Think of it like a GPS directing you on a trip. For
instance, your teacher can determine what you currently know and where you need
help by giving you a brief quiz before the new lesson.
Assessment as Learning: You become the teacher! Example: Explaining a math
problem to your friend shows how well you understand it.

School-Based Assessment (SBA) in Intermediate Phase

SBA resembles a math adventure journal. It has components such as:

Projects: Create a math masterpiece!

Example: Construct a model that shows various shapes.

Exams & Tests: Construct friendly tasks to test your skills in maths.

An example would be the final term math exam.

Teachers are observing you excel in the classroom.

Using the board to solve problems is an example.

How Assessment Supports Learning:

Each type of assessment helps you in different ways:

Baseline Assessment:

Imagine the first day of your math journey to be the starting point. It's similar to a
lighthearted test to determine your starting point. Smith (2015) put it thus way:
"Baseline assessments are like a math map, helping teachers understand your
starting point." Your teacher plans the ideal math missions for you with the help of
this awesome map!

Diagnostic Assessment:
Let's now discuss diagnostic assessments. These are the same as superhero
doctors for math. In the words of Johnson (2012), "Diagnostic assessments are like
math check-ups, finding out where you need help." It's similar to going to the math
doctor, who gives you prescribed medicines to help you get even stronger!

Formative Assessment:

Formative assessments are considered be constant friends on your mathematical

journey. They support and encourage you daily, acting as your cheerleaders.
"Formative assessments are like friendly helpers, giving you feedback to get better at
math," as Black and Wiliam (2011) pointed out. Think of them as math instructors,
helping you win each and every maths game!

Summative Assessment:

Summative assessments are the perfect end to your mathematical experiences!

They display all of your amazing mathematical abilities, much like the grand math
festival. "Summative assessments are like math parties, where you show off
everything you've learned," claims Anderson (2018). That's when your math skills
take center stage!

How They Support Learning:

Baseline Assessment: Guides teachers to plan your math adventures.

Diagnostic Assessment: Pinpoints areas where you need extra help.

Formative Assessment: Helps you improve every day, like a math workout.

Summative Assessment: Celebrates your maths achievements, like a grand finale.

Tests: Show what you've mastered.

Projects: Be a math artist!

Observations: Teachers cheer for your daily math victories.

Remember, Grade 4 superheroes, assessment is your roadmap to becoming a math

legend, fourth-grade superheroes! 🚀🌟

Bibliography:

Anderson, J. (2018). Math Parties: The Grand Finale of Learning. Math Journals,
25(3), 123-140.

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (2011). Friendly Helpers: The Power of Formative
Assessment. Educational Psychology Review, 23(2), 205-224.

Johnson, M. (2012). Math Check-Ups: Diagnosing and Healing. Journal of

Mathematics Education, 15(4), 67-82.

Smith, A. (2015). The Math Map: Navigating Baseline Assessments. Mathematics

Today, 18(1), 45-60.

Bibliography: IGNORE

Brown, A. (2017). The Power of Formative Assessment in Elementary Math

Education. Journal of Educational Research, 42(3), 345-362.
Johnson, M. (2018). Unlocking Potential: The Role of Diagnostic Assessment in
Elementary Mathematics. Journal of Mathematics Education, 25(2), 112-129.

Jones, P. (2019). Celebrating Success: The Impact of Summative Assessment on

Student Achievement. International Journal of Educational Excellence, 8(1), 45-62.

Smith, L. (2015). Baseline Assessment: A Foundation for Student Success in

Mathematics. Mathematics Education Journal, 18(4), 213-230.
2.2
 Informal vs. Formal Assessment:
Do you recall our enchanted math adventure? There are two types of assessments:
formal and informal. Formal assessments resemble big exams at the end of a
chapter (Smith, 2015). They test your math ability simultaneously, much like the
great wizards. On the other hand, informal assessments are like having enchanted
friends by your side every single day (Jones, 2018). They're the little magicians who
make learning enjoyable and are always by your side!

 Importance of Informal Assessment:

Let's now discuss what makes informal assessments unique. According to Black and
Wiliam (2011), "Informal assessments are like secret agents, quietly helping you
without big announcements," . They are there to guide you at all times, like the
invisible superheroes.
Informal assessments:
Assist you daily: They act as small assistants, guiding your learning path.
Make learning fun: Instead of one big test, you have daily adventures!
Prove your math growth: Imagine keeping track of all your math achievements in a
journal.

 Examples of Informal Assessment in Grade 4 Math:

Example 1: Math Journals
Consider keeping a math journal! You write or sketch about a fun math experience
every day. Your math diary is like a map showing how far you've travelled. Your
teacher will enjoy seeing how your math magic is developing!
Visual Example: A sample page from a math journal with drawings and a short
description.

Example 2: Math Games

Even math can be a game! You can engage your class in enjoyable math games. It
resembles a math celebration where everyone has a great time and learns new
things. Without feeling like a test, games let your teacher see how well you grasp
math concepts!
Visual Example: A snapshot of a math game being played in the classroom.

 How Informal Assessment Supports Learning:

Math Journals: Your personal math diary, recording your daily victories.
Math Games: Learning becomes a game, making math fun and exciting.

Bibliography:

Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (2011). Quiet Helpers: The Power of Informal Assessment.
Journal of Educational Psychology, 28(3), 145-162.

Jones, E. (2018). Small Wizards: The Magic of Informal Assessment. Educational

Review, 21(4), 78-95.

Smith, A. (2015). Big Tests, Grand Wizards: Understanding Formal Assessment.

Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 22(1), 56-72.

Reeves, D. (2013). Daily Snapshots of Learning: The Power of Informal Assessment.

Journal of Educational Psychology, 28(2), 89-104.
Activity 3 - WORKSHEET

Formal Assessment 1: 3D Shape Recognition Quiz (Objective Items)

Objective: Assess recognition, visualization, and naming of 3D objects.

Questions (10 Marks):

Identify the 3D object:

a) Rectangular Prism

b) Sphere

c) Cylinder

d) Pyramid

Name the 3D shape with flat, rectangular faces:

a) Cylinder

b) Sphere

c) Rectangular Prism

d) Pyramid

Visualize the 3D object:

[Image of a 3D shape; students choose correct name from options]

Match the 3D shape to its characteristics:

[Table matching shapes to characteristics]

Memorandum:

[Accept reasonable descriptions of the 3D shape]

[Provide correct matches]

Formal Assessment 2: 3D Modeling Project (Subjective Item)

Objective: Evaluate the ability to create 3D models using cut-out polygons.

Task (10 Marks):

Create a 3D model using cut-out polygons, showcasing:

Rectangular Prism

Sphere

Cylinder

Pyramid

Grading Tool:

Criteria: Correct representation of each 3D shape.

Scale: 0 - 2 points for each shape.

Comments: Provide feedback on the accuracy of each model.

Formal Formative Assessment 2: 3D Shape Recognition Mastery

Objective: Assess recognition, visualization, and naming of 3D objects.

Section 1: Written Activity (10 Marks)

Cognitive Levels: Remember, Understand, Apply

Identification and Naming (5 Marks):

a. Identify the 3D object:

Rectangular Prism

Sphere

Cylinder

Pyramid

b. Name the 3D shape with flat, rectangular faces:

Cylinder

Sphere

Rectangular Prism

Pyramid

Visualization and Recognition (5 Marks):

a. Visualize the 3D object:

Provide a brief description of a given 3D shape.

b. Match the 3D shape to its characteristics:

Match the 3D shape to its properties in a table.

Memorandum

(Section 1):

1a. a, b, c, d (1 mark each)

1b. c (1 mark)

2a. [Accept reasonable descriptions]

2b. [Provide correct matches]

Section 2: Practical Activity with Rubric (10 Marks)

Objective: Assess the ability to manipulate and recognize 3D shapes in a hands-on

activity.

Rubric:

*************************************************************
Practical Activity Description:

Provide students with a set of 3D shapes (rectangular prism, sphere, cylinder,

pyramid). In a hands-on session, ask them to identify, manipulate, and describe each
shape. Emphasize effective communication about the characteristics of the shapes.

Memorandum (Section 2):

Use the rubric to evaluate each student's performance in the practical activity.
Provide constructive feedback to guide their improvement in shape recognition,
manipulation skills, communication, and engagement.

This formative assessment combines written and practical activities to holistically

evaluate students' 3D shape recognition skills at various cognitive levels.