Supporting Mathematical Thinking through Formative Assessment
Teachers in Alberta use a range of instructional strategies to help students become confident and capable mathematicians. While students are expected to develop fluency with calculations, they also benefit from opportunities to demonstrate their understanding of mathematics as they solve problems, reason, and explain their thinking. This broader focus is strengthened through the use of modern assessment practices. In this video series, you will see examples of how formative assessment can support student learning in mathematics classrooms.
These materials were originally developed by the Alberta Assessment Consortium through a grant from Alberta Education. The guides have been updated to reflect the 2022 Alberta mathematics curriculum. Since the Alberta Education grant funding ended in 2015, updates to the Math Discussion Guides have been supported through AAC membership funding and are now available in AAC Member Materials.
Building a Mathematical Community
Math talks are an effective way to help students meet the learning goals of the Alberta Mathematics Program of Studies. Watch some math talks in action in Alberta classrooms.
View AAC Members' Video Resource Page
Flexible Strategies for Addition and Subtraction
There’s more than one way to arrive at a correct answer! When students talk about their strategies, teachers gain insight into students’ understanding of mathematical concepts. Link to Student Examples Used in Video
View AAC Members' Video Resource Page
Developing and Refining Strategies for Addition and Subtraction
Developing mathematical understanding requires more than simply getting the correct answer. In this video, teachers use conversations with students to help them refine their strategies.
View Video Page
Four Techniques for Everyday Formative Assessment
The assessment that makes a difference to student learning is the day-to-day exchange of feedback among teachers and students. This video highlights four techniques that are easy to implement in tomorrow’s lesson!
View Video Page
Involving Students in the Assessment Process
Students have an important role to play in the assessment and learning process.
View Video Page