School maths inquiry: Ask the students

STUDENTS and parents will be asked to contribute to a state inquiry into Queensland's senior science and mathematics assessment system in schools.

The inquiry, revealed in The Courier-Mail last week, will investigate claims that problems with senior assessments are impacting on the number of students studying the subjects, along with concerns about the length of "extended investigations" assignments and marking criteria.

It follows a long-running controversy embroiling the Queensland Studies Authority about assessment in physics, chemistry and mathematics.

Students have been writing up to 10,000 word assignments in the subjects, despite a recommended word length of 1000 to 1500 words.

EDUCATION: Inquiry for 10,000 word school essays

Education and Innovation Committee chair Rosemary Menkens said the inquiry, ordered by Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek, would look at the matters independently.

"This isn't a cut and dried issue," Mrs Menkens said.

"While some teachers have a problem with the current system, others think it is wonderful.

"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."

The committee will receive initial briefings from Queensland's three schooling sectors, the Queensland Studies Authority and Professor Peter Ridd, who represents a large group of disgruntled mathematics and science teachers, at Parliament House on Wednesday and Thursday next week.

Sometime after that it will invite submissions from the general public, including parents and other interested parties.

"As well as hearing from educators, administrators, and industry groups, I hope we hear from students during the course of our inquiry," Mrs Menkens said.

Those interested in the inquiry are being encouraged to subscribe to the committee's mailing list on the Queensland Parliament website: http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/en/get-involved/how-do-I-get-involved/email-alert

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