- Curriculum for Wales
Problem-Solving in Focus: RM Compare for Mathematics and Numeracy
This is the seventh post in our 10 part series offering a Welsh Curriculum practitioners guide to RM Compare.
Rethinking Mathematics Assessment
The new Curriculum for Wales challenges educators to move beyond traditional approaches to mathematics education. It emphasizes the development of problem-solving skills, mathematical reasoning, and the ability to apply mathematical concepts in real-world contexts. This shift necessitates a new approach to assessment, one that can capture the depth of mathematical thinking rather than just the correctness of final answers. RM Compare emerges as a powerful tool to meet this challenge, offering a fresh perspective on evaluating mathematical competence.
RM Compare: Beyond Right and Wrong
RM Compare introduces a comparative judgement approach that allows for a more nuanced evaluation of pupils' mathematical work. Instead of simply marking answers as right or wrong, teachers can now compare entire problem-solving processes, mathematical arguments, or project work. This method aligns closely with the curriculum's goal of developing learners who can think mathematically, not just perform calculations.
Assessing Mathematical Reasoning
One of the key strengths of RM Compare in mathematics assessment is its ability to capture the quality of mathematical reasoning. Teachers can evaluate how well pupils construct arguments, justify their approaches, and draw logical conclusions. The comparative approach allows for a more sophisticated assessment of these complex skills, recognizing that effective mathematical thinking can be demonstrated in various ways.
Evaluating Problem-Solving Strategies
RM Compare excels in assessing problem-solving strategies. Teachers can compare different approaches to solving the same problem, evaluating factors such as efficiency, creativity, and elegance of solution. This encourages pupils to explore multiple problem-solving methods and rewards innovative thinking, aligning with the curriculum's emphasis on developing flexible, adaptable learners.
Supporting Open-Ended Mathematical Tasks
The new curriculum encourages the use of open-ended mathematical tasks that have multiple possible solutions or approaches. RM Compare is particularly well-suited to assessing responses to such tasks. Teachers can compare different solutions, considering factors like originality, mathematical insight, and clarity of explanation. This approach values diverse mathematical thinking and encourages pupils to explore mathematics creatively.
Assessing Mathematical Communication
Effective communication of mathematical ideas is a crucial skill emphasized in the new curriculum. RM Compare allows teachers to assess how well pupils explain their mathematical thinking, whether through written explanations, diagrams, or mathematical notation. The comparative approach enables a nuanced evaluation of pupils' ability to articulate complex mathematical concepts clearly and precisely.
Integrating Numeracy Across the Curriculum
The Curriculum for Wales emphasises the importance of numeracy across all areas of learning. RM Compare supports this cross-curricular approach by allowing teachers to assess mathematical thinking in diverse contexts. Whether it's evaluating the use of statistics in a geography project or assessing mathematical modeling in a science experiment, the tool provides a platform for holistic numeracy assessment.
Supporting Formative Assessment in Mathematics
RM Compare is not just for summative assessment; it excels in supporting ongoing, formative assessment practices. Teachers can use the tool to provide regular feedback on pupils' mathematical development, helping them understand their progress and areas for improvement. This aligns with the curriculum's emphasis on assessment for learning, encouraging pupils to reflect on their mathematical thinking and take ownership of their learning journey.
Collaborative Moderation in Mathematics
RM Compare opens up new possibilities for collaborative assessment in mathematics. Teachers can engage in moderation exercises, comparing their judgements with colleagues to build a shared understanding of quality in mathematical work. This collaborative approach not only enhances consistency in assessment but also contributes to the professional development of mathematics educators, fostering rich discussions about what constitutes effective mathematical thinking.
Assessing Digital Competence in Mathematics
As digital tools become increasingly important in mathematics education, RM Compare offers a platform for assessing these competencies within a mathematical context. Teachers can evaluate pupils' use of digital tools for data analysis, visualisation, or mathematical modeling. The comparative approach allows for a more nuanced assessment of how effectively pupils integrate digital skills with mathematical thinking.
The Future of Mathematics Assessment
As mathematics education continues to evolve, so too must assessment practices. RM Compare is at the forefront of this evolution, offering a flexible platform that can adapt to emerging priorities in mathematics education. Future developments may include features for assessing collaborative problem-solving or evaluating pupils' engagement with advanced mathematical technologies.
Conclusion: Nurturing Mathematical Minds
By adopting RM Compare for mathematics and numeracy assessment, Welsh teachers are embracing a more sophisticated approach to evaluating mathematical thinking. This approach not only aligns with the new curriculum's vision but also prepares pupils for the complex, problem-solving challenges they will face in further education and future careers. As educators continue to explore the possibilities offered by RM Compare, they are helping to shape a generation of confident, capable mathematical thinkers ready to apply their skills in diverse and meaningful ways.