SEE THINK WONDER
TASK: Year 5 were given a formative assessment of understanding of two by two digit multiplication. Students were presented with an algorithm and initially asked to record what they saw.
THINKING ROUTINE: See Think Wonder (Maths)
COMMENT ON EVIDENCE OF THINKING: Students had used STW before but not in Mathematics. The routine was very useful as formative assessment. Those who could solve the problem were asked to do so. Their responses show a variety of literal observations and revealed differing degrees of mathematical understanding. In some students they also show an ability to go beyond one response and to question if multiple strategies are available.
APPROPRIATENESS FOR YEAR GROUP: See Think Wonder can be introduced in Year 3, and consolidated through the primary years (3-6). It should be very familiar and useful to students by Year 5.