What’s wrong with the math we have now.
Narrow standardized test from a very young age. High stress, timed, multiple-choice tests rather than long-form questions graded by experts. Fundamentally the tests such as EQAO do not accurately reflect the knowledge and capabilities of the students.
These tests can result in narrowing of instruction in class to “teach to the test” rather than focusing on learning and problem solving. The tests are limited to the ability to apply a procedure. Tests like those in the US require a high level of language proficiency so that the test is as much testing their language ability as their math ability.
Tests are ranked rather than measured against a standard - how much mathematics have you learned. The effect is demoralizing for many.
“Confidence in one’s ability to succeed in mathematics is an intrinsic part of success and motivation.”
Testing only at the end of a chapter doesn’t provide opportunity for corrective or remedial action to ensure that all students are set up to succeed on the final on the Assessment of Learning. There is no Assessment for Learning.
Students need to move from being Passive learners to being active learners.
Students who received both grades and comment feedback did as poorly as those who only received grades while those that received only comments did better.
Feedback to learners should convey what they still need to learn rather than on how well they’ve done so far in learning the material.