cognitive acceleration
DEVELOPING CHILDREN'S THINKING
GAIM (Graded Assessment in Maths)
This is a resource worked on by Mundher Adhami whilst at King's College University and could be seen as complementary to Thinking Maths. It is currently being updated by the Nuffield Foundation. The resources can be downloaded below.
The series is a complete teacher assessment scheme covering upper Key Stage 2, Key Stages 3 and 4 and graded using an attainment system created pre-National Curriculum (Levels 2-10). It offers assessment based on a creative approach to mathematics in the classroom. This is achieved through the emphasis on students being able to demonstrate their mathematical learning through students' investigational and problem-solving activities. This results in greater motivation and enjoyment on the part of the students.
Graded Assessment in Mathematics can be used alongside any primary or secondary mathematical scheme. Assessment is measured against GAIM topic criteria which are clear statements describing significant steps in mathematical learning. These statements elaborate on the Statements of Attainments of the National Curriculum, and are designed to reflect the intermediate steps of a student's progress in mathematics. The topic criteria are backed up with topic tasks, questions testing a student's satisfaction of a specific criterion. GAIM is designed to ensure that any further changes in reporting requirements within the National Curriculum can be accommodated using the materials provided in this pack.
The Nuffield Foundation are currently revising these materials and have renamed them Applying Mathematical Processes.
The structure of "GAIM":
- For Assessment of Attainment Target 1 - 80 photocopiable activity cards (problem-solving and investigations), accompanying teacher's notes which provide detailed guidance and assessment;
- For assessment of content in Attainment Targets 2-5 - over 500 photocopiable topic tasks are included for use with students. They help achieve a highly differentiated assessment of student progress. This is done by referring to topic criteria which, in turn, relate to the National Curriculum Statements of Attainment;
- For management of the system - the teachers' guide provides an effective overview of the structure of "GAIM", and details how to use "GAIM" most effectively in school;
- Record forms provide accurate and thorough charting of pupil progression at both an individual and group level. Student self-assessment is also possible;
- The cross-referencing guide links "GAIM" with other published schemes, "SMILE" and SMP 11-16 in particular.
Download the original resources from the STEM website.
