Alternative Assessment Methods in Mathematics

Andre Weideman
Department of Mathematics
Universiteit Stellenbosch
weideman@sun.ac.za

One of he most frequently used assessment methods in undergraduate mathematics, at least at
most South African universities, consists of having students do lengthy calculations involving much
arithmetic and considerable formula manipulation. Assessing such an activity is often not easy,
particularly if a mistake has been made in the early stages of the calculation. It therefore may
happen that a student loses marks because of a deficiency in a skill (arithmetic/formula
manipulation) that does not form part of the outcomes of the present course. We propose here a
few alternative assessment methods that can be used to supplement (not replace) the traditional
method. In particular, we shall discuss the use of multiple choice and short answer questions, the
use of computer projects, and the concept of a writing-intensive course. Examples taken from the
author’s own courses will be presented.

Powerpointaanbieding (Engels)