1997 Volume 2 Number 1
Developing Pupil Profiles In Primary Mathematics Using
Item Response Theory


Foong Pui Yee
Yap Sook Few
Khoo Phon Sai
Berinderjeet Kaur

Abstract: As part of a multi-disciplinary research entitled Primary Profiling Project, a team of mathematics educators had developed a set of test instruments which could provide profiles of pupils in their performance of basic and processes across the primary mathematics curriculum. These profiles also provide semi-diagnostic information for teachers to assess the weakness and strength of individual pupils in three areas, viz. Number, Measurement and Geometry. The tests were of paper-and- pencil multiple-choice format for Grades 3 and 5 In each topic a sequence of attainment levels was identified based on the actual difficulty of learning tasks and ability of the learners. The lower levels consist of elementary knowledge and skills while the higher levels reflect conceptual understanding and use of problem solving processes. Item response theory was applied to analyse data and to present results in the form of kidmaps that are meaningful to pupils, their parents, teachers and the school as a whole.

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