The Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett’s parliamentary committee will examine how senior level maths and science subjects are being assessed in Queensland schools.
The Queensland Parliament’s Education and Innovation Committee is holding an inquiry into claims that there are problems with a new assessment system that are influencing the numbers of students who study maths, chemistry and physics at the senior level.
At question is the approach to assessment that requires students to do ‘extended investigations’ such as long form assignments, in maths and science; with schools assessing a student’s work against a set of standards-based criteria. While this approach has been in place for some time, and is seen by some as world class, others claim that it is open to abuse, time consuming and confusing for students, parents and teachers alike.
Committee member, Mr Stephen Bennett MP, said that a Parliamentary inquiry would look at this matter independently, seeking advice from a range of experts and practitioners in the field.
“This isn’t a cut and dried issue. While some teachers have a problem with the current system, others think it is wonderful. In addition, some education experts say the new system is excellent, allowing for a depth of teaching and learning. It is clear that there are some positives about the new system, as well as perhaps some challenges. The committee will be doing its own learning on this subject,” Mr Bennett said.
Mr Bennett said that the committee would gather information based both on subjective experience and on empirical research.
“The Committee will consider whether the balance is right between long form assignments and shorter assessment tasks, as well as the differences between and relative merits of standards-based and numerical score-based assessment processes in these subjects,” Mr Bennett said.
The Committee will receive initial briefings from the schools sector, the Queensland Studies Authority, and Professor Peter Ridd at Parliament House, Brisbane on March 6 and 7. Mr Bennett said that these briefings were open to the public.
“I hope that people with an interest in this important area will come along, watch or listen online, or read the transcripts of these briefings, and give us their views on senior maths, chemistry and physics assessment in Queensland,” said Mr Bennett. “The briefings will also be broadcast live online via the parliament’s website and then available for a period of time to watch on replay, so anyone with internet access can watch”.
The Committee will accept submissions from all interested parties via its website until Monday the 13th May 2013 as well as writing directly to identify stakeholders and using social media. A survey will also be available via the committee’s inquiry webpage.
“As well as hearing from educators, administrators, and industry groups, I hope we hear from students during the course of our inquiry,” said Mr Bennett.
Up to date information can be found on the committee’s webpage, and interested people are encouraged to subscribe to the committee’s mailing list at-
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/en/get-involved/how-do-I-get-involved/email-alert
For further information, contact the Committee secretariat:
Tel: (07) 3406 7363
Email: [email protected]
Mail: The Research Director
Education and Innovation Committee
Parliament House, George Street
BRISBANE QLD 4000