How, what and why of assessment in first year mathematics/statistics.

Abstract: 

Over that past two years, changes have been made to the assessment structure in MATH1031 Mathematics for Life Sciences.  These changes reflected a desire to improve  students' mathematical communication skills and their mastery of the basic mathematical techniques.  An assignment was introduced that focused on mathematical writing, mastery style tests of the basic material were conducted in the computer lab replacing written class tests and the exam did not re-test any basic material but concentrated only on longer style modelling problems with clear explanations explicitly rewarded in the marking scheme.
I will describe the the motivations behind these changes and how they worked in practice.

About the speaker:

Jonathan is  Director of First Year, School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney. He has a strong interest in the development of assessments, and particularly in developing and using appropriate technology. With this seminar he aims to start a vigorous discussion of assessment policy and  practice in mathematics and statistics, including asking whether  assessment practices such as have been introduced in MATH1031  might  be adopted more widely.

The Learning and Teaching seminar  next  week will be an occasion to continue this this discussion.