Project MathsChanges in Assessment - Implications
Bill Lynch
MSSTL Annual Conference, Carlow, 24th May 2010
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Phasing of developments
Phased syllabus changes at junior cycle and senior
cycle – 5 strands over 3 years1. Statistics and probability
2. Geometry and trigonometry
3. Number
4. Algebra
5. Functions
Bridging framework to link primary and post-primary
mathematics
National roll-out after two years; also phased
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Schedule of introduction
24 initial schools
– Strands 1 and 2 in 2008
– Strands 3 and 4 in 2009
– Strand 5 in 2010
All other schools
– Strands 1 and 2 in 2010
– Strands 3 and 4 in 2011
– Strand 5 in 2012
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Areas of Support for Project Maths
Project Maths Development Team
– Resources to support teachers
– Resources for student use and research
– Web-based materials (www.projectmaths.ie)
Communication; public awareness; access to
information
Collaboration with others
– CSO, IIF, ERC
– NCE-MSTL
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Emphasis on understanding and skills
Building on existing knowledge and skills
Progression and continuity; from the concrete to
the abstract, from the informal to the formal
Developing learner confidence and competence
Focus on problem-solving skills and strategies
Applying knowledge and skills to familiar and
unfamiliar contexts/problems
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Changes at Leaving Certificate
Curriculum and assessment developments
– incremental revisions to syllabuses and assessment
– removal of choice on exam papers
– structure of the paper (focus on LC-OL)
– interim arrangement
Three syllabus levels, FL, OL and HL
– uptake target: at least 30% of the cohort at HL
– changed emphasis; context, applications
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Strand 1 – Statistics and Probability
Statistics Statistical reasoning
Finding, collecting, and
organising data
Representing data
graphically and
numerically
Analysing, interpreting
and drawing inferences
from data
Probability Counting
Concepts of
probability
Discrete probability
(as relative
frequency)
Outcomes of random
processes
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Strand 2 – Geometry and Trigonometry
Synthetic geometry
– terms and concepts
– constructions, axioms, theorems, corollaries
Co-ordinate geometry
Trigonometry
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Strand 3 – Number
Topics
– Number systems; operations
– Indices
– Applied arithmetic
– Length, area and volume
– Sets
Pre-algebra approach
– patterns and generalisations; problem-solving strategies
– modelling operations
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Strand 4 – Algebra
Topics
– Arithmetic expressions; representations (tables, graphs)
– Finding ‘formulae’
– Examining change rates and relations
– Algebraic expressions; factors; graphs
– Equations and inequalities
Functions-based approach
– Representational; transformational
– Generalising and justifying
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Responding to the feedback
Syllabus adjustment
– Streamlining
– Deferral of learning outcomes
– Hypothesis testing
Assessment arrangements
– Retention of topics on paper 2 (i.e. those not in S1 or S2)
– Interim Paper 2 choice (June 2010)
– Weighting between S1 and S2
– Additional draft questions + commentary
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First ‘new’ examination – June 2010
SEC trial of Sample LC Maths Paper 2 (Oct. ‘09)
– adjusted Sample Paper; report on the trialling
Additional questions for strands 1 and 2
Pre-Leaving Certificate (‘mock’) Paper 2
– correction and return of scripts
– feedback to teachers
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First ‘new’ examination – June 2010
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LC-OL Paper 2 2010
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Question 6
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Question 7
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Q.7 (b) Comment on answering
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Question 8
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The square tile ABCD has side of length 1 metre. Two such tiles are to be combined to form a single square.
Show how this can be done.
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Rearranging the pieces to form another square.
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Project Maths aims to bring about
Improved understanding of concepts
Ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skills to real-life contexts
Better problem-solving skills
Less reliance on practised routines and predictable questions
Appreciation of mathematics
More discerning students and citizens
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Information on Project Maths
URL: www.ncca.ie/projectmaths
URL: www.projectmaths.ie
URL: www.examinations.ie
Email: [email protected]