Math is Natural Aubree Teaches

As educators, we strive to unlock the full potential of our students and support their growth across various academic domains. When it comes to mathematics, understanding where students stand in terms of their early numeracy and math skills is crucial for effective instruction. While formal assessments have their place, there's a powerful and insightful method that often goes underutilized – conducting interviews or conferences with students. By engaging in meaningful conversations and activities centered around numeracy and math concepts, we can gain valuable insights into their mathematical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and overall mathematical proficiency. Interviews provide us a unique opportunity to go beyond mere test scores and explore the depths of students' mathematical thinking processes. By engaging in one-on-one or small group conversations, we can uncover their underlying reasoning, strategies, and misconceptions, allowing us to tailor our instruction to their specific needs. Interviews provide a more holistic view of students' mathematical abilities, allowing us to witness firsthand how they approach problems, communicate their ideas, and apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Moreover, interviews create a safe and supportive environment where students can express themselves freely, leading to a more authentic and comprehensive assessment of their mathematical understanding. By embracing interviews as a valuable assessment tool, we can gain rich insights into our students' mathematical journeys and nurture their growth as confident and proficient mathematicians. Besides, haven’t we all had an experience where a diagnostic test score doesn’t match what you see in front of you or from a student’s work? Precisely…

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