Exchange Idea with Students From Jakarta

On last 29 October 2014, students from Jakarta was visited UPSI. So, we have the chance to combine with them in order to discuss an issue about assessment. We feel happy and great because we able to exchange our idea with them . 

We are discussing the issue prepared by our lecturer. 

My Gorup Discussion

 Here are the three situation given by the lecturer.

Situation 1

In the classroom, decision is always been made. As a teacher, you have decided that:

1. Alan, Johnny and Rama have mastered the concept of factorization but not Bambang.

2. Jimmy got A; Selvi got B.

Question to ponder: On what basis, you made these decisions? 

Answer for Situation 1

Situation 2

Mrs Nora gave Mathematics grade based on monthly tests and final examination. However, in the classroom she also took student’s attendance, marked students’ assignments, encouraged students to participate in activities and developed positive attitudes among students towards Mathematics.

Mr Ahmad gave Mathematics grade based on: Monthly tests 20%, final examination 20%, assignment 10%, attendance 20%, participation in activities 15% and attitude 15%.

Questions to ponder:

Is grade A given by Mrs Nora has the same meaning with the A given by Mr Ahmad?

Whose method of grading is correct?

If an A student from Mrs Nora’class and an  A student from Mr Ahmad’s class to sit for a test carried out by a third teacher, do you think they will obtain the same grade?

Answer for Situation 2

Situation 3

Mrs Laili taught in a Form 2 class at a private school where the students are excellent in Math. She was always proud of herself saying that the tests that she gave to her students emphasized on the ability to apply Mathematical concepts in real life. The tests contained of world problems.

When she was transferred to a normal daily school and taught in the same form, she discovered that her students were not excellent compare to her former students. She carried out a test similar to the test given to her former students, and 29 out of 31 students failed the test. She gave another test which was much easier (she thought), but this time 30 out of 31 students failed Finally, she concluded that her students indeed had little or no basic mathematical skills and she applied for a transfer to another school.

Questions to ponder:

1. Do you agree with Mrs Laili’s conclusion?

2. What other conclusions can be made?

3. What can Mrs Laili do for her students to pass her test?  

Answer for Situation 3