Maths Assessment Interview reveals how it all adds up
A trial of a mathematics assessment is underway at nearly 100 şÚÁĎłÔąĎn primary schools to improve numeracy outcomes for the next generation of students.
Last month, more than 300 teachers from 96 primary schools undertook professional learning so they can conduct the evaluation in the Maths Assessment Interview (MAI) with years 3 and 4 students.
Each educator was provided with a specially designed kit which contains interactive props such as coins, small teddies, or visual cards to test their student’s basic mathematical skills and understanding.
Using the kit, the educators interview each student to assess their mathematical thinking. This information supports teachers to build on students’ development of mathematical knowledge.
The Maths Assessment kit was created with sustainability in mind – the wooden box was designed and produced by Barossa Enterprises, the unifix cubes, cup and counting teddies are made by Australian business Tiger Tribe from 70% bioplastic, and the plastic box has been handmade with 100% recycled plastic by Australian Micro Recyclers.
The MAI has been developed over the past 10 years by the Australian Catholic University and Monash University and is a one-on-one 15-minute interview between the teacher and student.
In 2023, the trial was piloted at 4 schools, with those teachers reporting the assessment was easily implemented and had clear benefits for their students. Further to that, primary schools were invited to apply to participate in the wider trial.
Prospect Primary School Principal Anita Hall said we have four teachers involved in this pilot who are all are excited by the opportunity to help shape maths learning for their students.
“They are really engaged with this and are finding that it not only shows the level of mathematical skill each student has but provides an understanding of the thinking process of the child, which is also a valuable insight”.
“The assessment kits they received as part of this trial process are also a real bonus, as they have not had to source their own resources, and they now have an engaging and valuable tool with which to progress the work”.
“We hope that by having clear information about where a student is at in terms of their maths learning we can address their specific needs early in their education, so all students have the numeracy skills necessary to achieve results in the longer term”.
Read more about the Maths Assessment Interview.
