Uncovering Student Thinking in Mathematics, Grades 6-12
30 Formative Assessment Probes for the Secondary Classroom
- Cheryl M. Rose - Tobey Education Group, LLC, Education Development Center, Newton, MA
- Carolyn B. Arline - Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Foreword by Johnny W. Lott
Mathematics Methods
"Cheryl Rose and Carolyn Arline provide a valuable resource to teachers who are interested in determining how their students think and answer questions in mathematics classes."
—From the Foreword by Johnny W. Lott
Director, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning
University of Mississippi
Use these targeted probes to assess secondary students' grasp of key mathematics concepts!
Research findings show that formative assessment is an important strategy for improving student achievement in mathematics. This practical resource by best-selling authors Cheryl M. Rose and Carolyn B. Arline provides tools and examples that allow middle and high school teachers to gauge students' knowledge of core mathematics concepts and strengthen their ability to teach effectively.
The authors provide 30 formative assessment probes—brief, easily administered activities targeting specific mathematics ideas—to reveal common understandings and misunderstandings in student thinking. Field-tested with teachers and students at various grade levels, these powerful diagnostic tools help teachers modify their teaching and identify areas that require more instruction. Written in accessible language, this invaluable book:
- Discusses standards, research results, and practical craft knowledge
- Describes the purpose, structure, and development of mathematics assessment probes
- Helps teachers build on students' current understandings while addressing their identified difficulties
- Offers examples of the faulty thinking students are likely to exhibit and typical obstacles they may encounter
These assessment probes will help teachers can make sound instructional choices and increase the mathematics knowledge of all their students!
"Cheryl Rose and Carolyn Arline provide a valuable resource to teachers who are interested in determining how their students think and answer questions in mathematics classes."
"The authors contribute to the field by answering the question: How do I help my struggling students who hold a variety of misconceptions or have limited prior knowledge of the content?"
"The book is timely. The probes will be beneficial to teachers and very useful to districts developing local assessments."
"An efficient teaching tool to uncover and correct misconceptions students have across all mathematics strands. This book provides numerous opportunities for increased student achievement that are both powerful and exciting for educators."
"A tool for middle school and high school mathematics teachers that combines the effective use of research, formative assessment, and ready-to-go student tasks. This resource belongs int he hands of any mathematics educator who seeks to balance procedural knowledge, conceptual understanding, and skills for each student."
"Using probes with my students has helped me plan and modify my instruction. The range of student explanations elicit rich mathematical discourse."
"One of the most effective tools for teachers to gather valuable formative assessment data. This resource provides an easily accessible, yet powerful way for teachers to elicit and analyze student work that truly reflects student thinking. The probes are targeted to specific concept areas that are easily connected to daily lesson plans and curriculum materials."