Authentic Assessment Methodologies In Mathematics

The integration of the new trends and reforms in Mathematics Education has clearly spelled out the optimum use of authentic assessment methodologies. Teachers are then encouraged to familiarize themselves and be more skilful in implementing the said authentic assessment methodologies. An interview with some teachers in the COEs and CODs in Region 1 and CAR resulted to a list of authentic assessment methodologies that they used in their Mathematics subjects. It can be noted that the common authentic assessment methodologies are laboratory activities on polygons and solids, art in Mathematics like Tessellation and Origami making, investigation of Math Concepts in nature, use of improvised device, manipulatives and technology, learning visits,

Good authentic assessment can be very difficult to design. There are no ready materials for authentic assessment. More effort is exerted in crafting even in implementing and scoring. There is also an internal resistance from educators who hesitate to change their ways. In addition, they also pointed out the presence of the Licensure exams for Teachers. The form of the test is traditional in nature since it makes use of multiple choice type of test. The teachers are desirous to promote better skills in answering LET exam, hence would practice traditional method more regularly than the alternative authentic assessment methodologies. Other problem identified is, authentic assessments take much of the time in class and yet the teachers are supposed to cover all the lessons included in a particular subject. In addition, the students may be difficult to control in the assessment process. They can either show much enthusiasm or the opposite. Sometimes, teachers are desirous to implement an authentic assessment methodology but may lack the needed instructional materials or technology. In addition, the implementation of the assessment methodology becomes difficult when there are no ready procedures and scoring