Australian Catholic University (ACU) introduced a series of 12 instructional videos aimed at helping teachers better interpret and use assessment data to improve student outcomes in mathematics. The videos are designed to support teachers in analysing results from ACU’s Mathematics Online Interview (MOI) and Fractions and Decimals Online Interview (FDOI).
Professor Tracey Muir, who spearheaded the project, explained that the videos aim to assist educators in understanding student performance and identifying learning gaps. “Effective use of qualitative and quantitative data helps teachers understand which students are progressing at an appropriate level in response to the teaching approaches in their classroom, and how they could best adjust their practice to drive improvement for all students in their class,” Muir said. “These ACU-online assessment interviews provide teachers with rich diagnostic data to monitor growth points in a students’ mathematical learning journey, identify learning gaps, and inform lesson planning and teacher practice.”
The videos cover various topics from the primary and secondary maths curriculum, including decimal ordering, number lines, addition and subtraction, fraction sizes, and methods for tracking student progress. Developed in partnership with the Victorian Department of Education, this initiative is part of a $110,000 project.
The project team included Dr. Matt Sexton and Dr. Linda Parish from ACU’s School of Education, along with Professor Vince Geiger from ACU’s Institute for Learning Sciences and Teacher Education. Contributions were also made by ACU Emeritus Professor Doug Clarke and former ACU academic Ms. Anne Roche, who were instrumental in creating the MOI and FDOI interviews.
Support for teachers and students
Professor Clarke noted that the videos help address key questions about assessment. “The videos provide further support by answering questions such as: Why are one-to-one assessments the most powerful form of assessment in maths? Why these particular assessment tasks? What are typical student responses and common misconceptions? Having conducted the interviews with my students, how do I take what I’ve learned to inform my planning and teaching?” he said.
Although the MOI and FDOI interviews are primarily used by teachers in Victoria, the guidance videos are available to educators nationwide. Professor Muir emphasised that the goal of the project is to enhance students’ mathematical outcomes by equipping teachers with the necessary tools and insights to improve their teaching practices.
“We want to improve students’ mathematical outcomes and these videos are a key part of empowering our teachers to know what to look for and what to do to improve their students’ mathematical skills, knowledge, and understandings,” Muir added.
This new resource marks a significant advancement in supporting mathematics education and provides Australian teachers with practical tools to enhance their students’ learning experiences.