Funded Research Project

Project Title: Supporting Personalised Learning in Secondary Schools Through the Use of Specific Mathematics Assessments that Reveal Thinking

Chief Investigators: Professor Kaye Stacey, Dr Helen Chick, Dr Vicki Steinle

Partner Organisation: Victorian Department of Education and Training

Funded by: ARC Linkage Project Grant 2008–2011

Project Summary: This project will improve numeracy standards in schools, by assisting teachers to personalise the teaching of each secondary student. Through detailed research, the project will develop sophisticated assessments that clearly reveal students' mathematical thinking. A linked on-line database will suggest teaching activities that can bring about the required conceptual changes.   The effectiveness of the resources will be thoroughly tested, for impact on student achievement and also on the mathematics teaching skills of teachers, especially those working out-of-field. Rural schools will have equal access. Good numeracy provides the foundation for life-long learning, employment satisfaction and the economic competitiveness of Australia.

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