FMT3701
Assignment 2 2024
,QUESTION 1
Explain the concept, ‘assessment’, as outlined in the CAPS
document and your study guide.
Definition:
Assessment in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document is defined a
the process of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting information about learners' performance to
make informed decisions about their progress and development. It is a continuous process that
aims to improve teaching and learning by providing feedback to learners and teachers.
Key Elements of Assessment in CAPS:
Purpose of Assessment:
The primary purpose of assessment is to support learning. It aims to identify learners' strengths
and weaknesses, provide constructive feedback, and guide future teaching and learning activitie
Types of Assessment:
●
Formative Assessment: Ongoing assessments conducted during the learning process to
monitor learners' progress, provide feedback, and adjust instruction accordingly. Examples
include quizzes, class discussions, and homework assignments.
●
Summative Assessment: Assessments conducted at the end of a learning period to evaluate
learners' overall achievement. Examples include end-of-term exams, standardized tests, and
final projects.
●
Assessment Principles:
●
Validity: Assessments should measure what they are intended to measure.
●
Reliability: Assessments should yield consistent results over time and across different context
●
Fairness: Assessments should be free of bias and equitable for all learners.
●
Transparency: The criteria and methods of assessment should be clear to both teachers and
learners.
Assessment Methods:
●
Observation: Watching learners during activities to gather information about their skills and
behaviors.
●
Oral and Written Tasks: Assignments, essays, and presentations that require learners to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
●
Practical Tasks: Hands-on activities where learners apply their knowledge in real-world or
simulated situations.
●
Tests and Examinations: Formal assessments that evaluate learners' knowledge and
understanding of the subject matter.
Feedback:
●
Providing timely and constructive feedback to learners is essential. Feedback should be
specific, focused on improvement, and aimed at encouraging learners' growth and confidence
●
Record Keeping:
●
●
Teachers are required to keep detailed records of learners' assessment results. These record
help in tracking progress, identifying areas needing intervention, and reporting to parents and
other stakeholders.
, QUESTION 2
There are various forms of assessment.
Provide a mathematical example for each form of assessment
listed below. (The example must be relevant to Mathematics in
the Foundation Phase.)
2.1 Classwork observation
2.2 Orals/discussions
2.3 Practical demonstrations
2.4 Written work
2.1 Classwork Observation
Example: Observing students as they use manipulatives (such as counters, blocks, or beads) to
solve simple addition problems.
Activity: Provide each student with a set of 10 counters. Ask them to show how they can combin
different groups of counters to make a total of 7 (e.g., 3 + 4, 2 + 5).
Observation Focus: Watch how the students group the counters and whether they can accuratel
count and combine the groups. Note their understanding of the concept of addition and their abil
to use the manipulatives correctly.
2.2 Orals/Discussions
Example: Engaging students in a discussion about shapes and their properties.
Activity: Show students a picture of various shapes (circle, square, triangle, rectangle) and ask
them to describe each shape in their own words.
Discussion Points: Ask questions like "How many sides does this shape have?" or "Can you find
shape that has no corners?"
Assessment: Listen to the students' responses to gauge their understanding of basic geometric
concepts and their ability to articulate their thoughts about the shapes.
2.3 Practical Demonstrations
Example: Demonstrating understanding of patterns.
Activity: Ask students to create a repeating pattern using colored beads or blocks (e.g., red, blue
red, blue).
Demonstration Task: Have each student present their pattern to the class and explain how they
created it and what the next item in the sequence would be.
Assessment: Evaluate the students' ability to create and explain the pattern, ensuring they
understand the concept of repetition and sequence.
2.4 Written Work
Example: Completing a worksheet with addition and subtraction problems.
Activity: Provide a worksheet with a series of simple addition and subtraction problems (e.g., 5 +
= ?, 9 - 4 = ?).
Written Task: Ask students to solve the problems and write their answers on the worksheet.
Assessment: Review the completed worksheets to check for accuracy in calculations and to
identify any areas where individual students may need further instruction or practice.
