Pear Assessment Question Type Showcase: Math

Whether you teach basic arithmetic, advanced algebra, geometry, or any other math class, Pear Assessment (formerly Edulastic) has a robust variety of math-specific technology-enhanced items (TEIs) just for you. Learn about Pear Assessment different question types for math assessments.

Pear Assessment TEIs are especially popular amongst math teachers. The versatility of question types enables you to develop comprehensive lessons, quizzes, and tests for all math students. Want your students to show their work? No problem. They can use the Scratchpad. Furthermore, all math questions, except math essay, are auto-graded. This will save you an immense amount of tedious grading and allow you to focus your time on what matters - the learning.

‍Expression & Formula

What it is: This question type allows you to ask questions in which the answer is an expression or formula. Setup is simple: you type the question in the designated space, and students can respond using math symbols, numbers, or letters.

How to use it: Expression and Formula TEIs are extremely diverse and can be used for any math question that requires an expression or formula solution; some examples include factoring or expression simplification problems.

Numeric Entry  

What it is: Numeric Entry TEIs allow students to respond to a given question by providing a numeric value. You type the question, set the expected answer, and students give their answer by typing a number into the given box. 

How to use it: Math and science teachers use it for any question where the answer is a number. 

Complete the Equation 

What it is: This question type allows students to complete an equation with fill-in-the blank values. You give written directions, set up the equation with blank space(s), and students fill in the blank(s).

How to use it: Complete the Equation TEIs are perfect for testing students’ knowledge of arithmetic operations and the ability to work backward to solve for unknown values. In addition to taking arithmetic inputs, the fill-in-the-blank value can also take a variety of other inputs, from trigonometric expressions to algebraic expressions.

Equations & Inequalities

What it is: This question type allows you to ask questions in which the answer is an equation or inequality. You give directions, and students type their answer into the given box. 

How to use it: This TEI can be used for any question with an equation or inequality answer. For example, you could ask students to solve linear equations or simplify an inequality. They can show their work using the scratchpad, and type their final answer into the given box. 

Matrices

What it is: This question type allows students to examine equations and fill in blank values with matrix solutions.  

How to use it: This question can be used to evaluate students’ understanding of basic matrix operations, including addition, scalar multiplication, and matrix multiplication.

Units

What it is: This TEI is specifically designed to encourage students to include units in the solution. Students can type their numeric solution and then choose from a drop down selection of units to attach to the solution.

How to use it: This type of question works well for any question in which you want your students' answer to include units. A particularly popular application is testing students on unit conversions, as shown above.

Math Essay

What it is: This TEI allows students to write formatted responses that include words, math specific symbols, graphs, fractions, and equations. This is the only math TEI that is not auto-graded.

How to use it: This question is helpful when you want your students to fully explain the work behind their solutions. They can write longer answers and explain each process in their thinking while still including numbers, equations, and other mathematical symbols. 

Math, Text & Drop Down

What it is: This question type allows you to mix multiple response methods into one question.

How to use it: With Math, Text & Dropdown questions, you can ask your students multiple questions at one time. For example, you could ask students to find both the area and volume of a given shape. They would answer each sub-question separately, as shown above. 

Overall, Pear Assessment carries a huge range of TEIs that will allow you to create questions on virtually any math concept. Furthermore, you can use these TEIs for a variety of purposes. For example, you can create exams to formally assess student understanding, quizzes to check-in on them, and practice sets to further hone their skills.