198
134. In order to gain useful information for the new lower levels, 1b and 1c, it is vital that context
and language do not interfere with the mathematics being assessed. To this end, the context and
language must be carefully considered. That said, the items must still be interesting to avoid the
possibility that students will simply not attempt the items because it holds no interest.
135. The context for both 1b and 1c level items should be situations that students encounter on a
daily basis. Examples of these
contexts may include money, temperature, food, time, date, weight,
size and distance. All items should be concrete and not abstract. The focus of the item should be
mathematical only. The understanding of the context should not interfere with the performance of
the item.
136. Equally important, it is to have all items formulated in the simplest possible terms. Sentences
should be short and direct. Compound sentences, compound nouns
and conditional sentences
should be avoided. Vocabulary used in the items must be carefully examined to ensure that
students will have a clear understanding of what is being required. In addition, special care will be
given to ensure that no extra difficulty is added due to a heavy text load or by a context that is
unfamiliar to students based on their cultural background.
137. Items designed for Level 1c should only ask for a single step or operation. However, it is
important to note that a single step or operation is not limited to an arithmetical step. This step
might be demonstrated by making a selection or identifying some information. Both mathematical
reasoning and all of the problem solving processes should be used to measure the mathematical
literacy capabilities of students at Levels 1b and 1c.
Достарыңызбен бөлісу: