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The purpose of this article is to describe a general procedure for implementing group poster projects in lower and upper division mathematics courses. The authors have found that students who complete projects gain a deeper understanding of the mathematics they study, refine their ability to communicate mathematically, and engage in an activity that requires initiative and persistence. The paper gives examples of successful projects and includes grading rubrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastery-grading techniques such as mastery-based grading, specifications grading, and standards-based grading are assessment techniques professors are implementing in order to support a growth mindset of learning, decrease test anxiety, and help students develop a deeper understanding of course objectives. In this paper, we provide an analysis of research conducted in a variety of courses which used mastery-based testing (MBT). Some of the questions we explore include whether the students' attitudes about mathematics and learning changed throughout the course in addition to whether MBT impacted test anxiety and growth mindset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standards-based grading (SBG) is an assessment/grading system that attaches scores to the mastery level of specific learning objectives. This methodology is gaining momentum in the K-12 environment but has been largely overlooked at the post-secondary level. In this paper, I will discuss the implementation of this practice in a College Algebra course. I will also discuss the motivation in attempting an alternative assessment system, the development and implementation process and describe the resulting system. Comparisons will be made between a College Algebra course utilizing the traditional points-based system and the same course in which SBG was incorporated. These comparisons will include observed student behaviors, student perception, the administrative efforts required of the instructor, and student performance in subsequent courses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastery-based testing is an assessment scheme that challenges students to provide complete solutions to problems derived from clear course concepts. Students are allowed multiple attempts to demonstrate mastery, which helps create a classroom environment where students value persistence toward thorough understanding. In this paper, we describe in detail the benefits and implementation of mastery-based testing in college mathematics courses. We also summarize student response data that show positive reactions to this testing method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a framework for creating and using writing assignments based on four types of writing: personal, expository, critical, and creative. This framework includes specific areas of student growth affected by these writing styles. Illustrative sample assignments are given throughout for each type of writing and various combinations thereof. Also discussed are the assessment of mathematical writing and suggestions for beginning users of writing in mathematics courses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Students’ abilities and interests vary dramatically in the college mathematics classroom. How do we teach all of these students effectively? In this paper, we present the Point Reward System (PRS), a new method of assessment that addresses this problem. We designed the PRS with three main goals in mind: to increase the retention rates; to keep all students actively engaged in the learning process; and to enhance the students’ learning experience. At the same time, we wanted to keep implementation of the PRS practical while not diminishing its potential to facilitate the learning process. We compared PRS to the traditional assessment method that currently prevails at the universities and colleges. The data showed that use of the PRS significantly lowered WFD rates compared with the traditional assessment method. PRS was also more successful in keeping students engaged in the course throughout the semester and it had more impact on students’ learning. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents an assessment tool which can be used during the first weeks of calculus to measure students' visual thinking skills. We have developed and applied this instrument in classes for the last three years, tabulating results and interviewing students on a regular basis. We discuss our findings and provide hints to using the instrument to identify student weaknesses which, if unattended, can undermine students' understanding of calculus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many of us are concerned about newly imposed demands coming from accrediting organizations or administrations to assess our mathematics departments and ourselves as individual instructors. To be sure, cynicism about assessment abounds on campuses. This article attempts to take on some generic objections and to unravel the complexities which lie hidden in them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]