Practical tasks

Practical tasks can be completed either on an individual basis or collaboratively. In either situation you can learn much about the level of understanding each student has, both of the content being assessed, and of the skills and strategies employed in the activity.

Practical tasks in geometry frequently require students to simultaneously:

• use concrete materials
• use geometric instruments
• decode the language of geometry
• apply knowledge
• solve problems.

A well designed practical activity will evaluate student progress on a number of different levels and enable you to provide timely and appropriate support.

After the task, provide feedback through discussion, and demonstration of alternative strategies and solutions. This an important opportunity for students to deepen their understanding, form links between concepts, and use the language of geometry. Such feedback is particularly useful when students share their own work with their peers.