Department: Mathematics Education
The workshop in brief: Other information about the Event:
The annual TIU national workshop on Teaching and Learning of Mathematics was held on 25 October 2023. This year’s running theme was Assessment Strategies for Fostering Deep Mathematical Understanding at the University Level. The workshop serves as a crucial platform for educators, mathematicians, and researchers to delve into the vital intersection of assessment and pedagogy within higher education mathematics. By exploring innovative assessment strategies, cultivating effective feedback mechanisms by promoting inclusivity and diversity, fostering collaborative assessment communities that examine ethical considerations while promoting holistic assessment integration, we empowered participants with the tools to nurture profound mathematical comprehension and critical thinking among university-level students and teachers.
Objectives:
1. To explore cutting-edge assessment approaches and promote holistic assessment integration. This workshop was dedicated to showcasing and dissecting contemporary assessment strategies that transcend traditional testing paradigms especially in integrating assessment practices within the broader pedagogical framework, with a keen interest in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Attendees had the opportunity to delve into formative and summative assessment techniques, digital assessment tools, and alternative methods that encourage deep mathematical understanding.
2. To promote inclusivity and diversity in assessment. In recognizing the importance of inclusivity and diversity in today’s educational landscape, the workshop emphasized the development of assessment strategies that cater to a wide range of learners. Participants explored ways to design assessments that accommodate various learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities, ensuring that mathematical education is accessible and engaging for all students.
3. Examine ethical considerations in assessment and foster collaborative assessment communities: Ethical considerations in assessment are vital in maintaining the integrity of mathematical education, and this can be achieved and maintained by building a supportive community of educators and researchers. The workshop aimed to guide participants in understanding and addressing ethical challenges related to assessment, such as plagiarism, cheating, and bias. Attendees, through sharing of ideas, experiences, and best practices in assessment, learned how to implement fairness and academic integrity in their assessment practices while upholding the highest standards of ethics.
4. To cultivate effective feedback mechanisms. Effective feedback is pivotal in the learning process. The workshop equipped participants with insights and practical skills to provide constructive and timely feedback that fosters mathematical growth. Through interactive sessions and case studies, attendees gained the expertise to implement robust feedback mechanisms in their own teaching practices.
Participants: Approximately 60 people
Place: Education Building, TIU
Session 1
Cutting-edge assessment approaches and promotion of holistic assessment integration in the European Credit Transfer Systems context, by Ms. Rasha Alkabbanie
Session 2
Ethical considerations in assessment and collaborative assessment communities, by Asst. Prof. Dr. Aziza Kavlu.
Session 3
Inclusivity and diversity in assessment at university level mathematics education, by Dr. Venera Ulker.
Panel Session 4
Effective and inspiring feedback mechanisms that promotes Mathematical growth in learners, by a Panel
1. Ms. Rasha Alkabbanie
Director of ISO & Accreditation
Quality Management and Accreditation Office
Tishk International University
rasha.alkabbanie@tiu.edu.iq
2. Asst. Prof. Dr. Aziza Kavlu.
Mathematics Education Department,
Faculty of Education,
Tishk International University.
aziza.kavlu@tiu.edu.iq
3. Dr. Venera Ulker
Head English Language Teaching Department
Tishk International University.
venera.ulker@tiu.edu.iq
1- Participants kept abreast of the application of ECTS in assessment processes, particularly and most importantly about calculating the ECTS based on the number of hours students spent on the course and the volume of work to be assessed. In all these, the participants were treated to a holistic assessment approach.
2- Participants reaffirmed the importance of observing inclusivity and diversity in assessment, and the role it plays in fostering mathematics development in the learners.
3- Participants underscored the role of collaborative assessment communities in maintaining integrity and ethics in assessment and discussed ways to mitigate challenges associated with ethical issues in assessment.
4- Participants gained deeper appreciation of some of the most effective feedback mechanisms and how to cultivate and maintain them so as to foster mathematical growth in the learners.
