Monday, March 01, 2010
Science and maths exams need to allow students to show their understanding.
A new piece of research has concluded that compilers of science and maths exams need to work harder to ensure the papers are a fair test of the abilities and understanding of the students who sit them.
The Science and Learning Expert Group’s report, “Science and Mathematics Secondary Education for the 21st Century”, was published on 25 February 2010.The expert group was set up by the government and is led by Sir Mark Walport, Director of the Welcome Trust.
This latest report was commissioned by ministers to advise on the UK’s science and society strategy. The report found that the curriculum and exam requirements could restrict the depth of learning and the level of maths developed, particularly in A level Physics and Chemistry. The Expert Group recommends that examination boards should recruit expert science and maths specialists in order to produce challenging and appropriate questions. The maths content within some science exams was described in the report as “inadequate”.
The report says, “Even the most able teachers cannot deliver their best unless empowered by curricula and assessment that are both fit for purpose," After conducting a consultation with teachers and school leaders the researchers concluded there were high levels of concern among professionals that assessment had become more prominent than developing conceptual understanding
The trend for multiple-choice questions was criticised, with the authors saying there should be "greater emphasis on accurate use of the English language".
The report said assessment should follow the curriculum rather than define and that expert groups should be set up for each subject area to advise on the curriculum for five to 19-year-olds and on GCSEs and A-levels. Establishing a comprehensive and challenging curriculum through this process and designing appropriate assessments of it would combine to allow the specialist teachers in schools to be used to most benefit of students.
"Our overarching recommendation is that specialist teachers and their subjects need to come to the fore in the teaching of science and mathematics in schools and colleges."
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