4th July to 8th July, 2022

Mathematics STACK Workshop

Maseno University, Kenya.

About STACK

Systems for Teaching and Assessment which use Computer Algebra Kernel abbreviated as STACK is a computer-aided assessment plug-in that provides a question type for the Moodle and ILIAS Learner Management Systems. STACK was developed by Christopher Sangwin (currently a professor of Mathematics at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland) to help with assessment of Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines. STACK uses a computer algebra system (CAS) to implement the following; randomization of question variables, checking student answer against the teacher answer to assign appropriate feedback among other tasks. To learn more about STACK, visit the page STACK (stack-assessment.org)

Workshop aims and goals

The goal of this workshop is to help lecturers prepare the courses they will be teaching at their institutions using STACK.

There will be a parallel session on authoring STACK questions.

Objectives

To enable lecturers to integrate automated formative assessment into courses they are teaching at their universities in the 2022-2023 academic year
To raise awareness of STACK, its benefits and the freely available resources tailored to Kenyan undergraduate studies as well as the potential of IDEMS International support as implementing partners.
To create a community of Kenyan educators working collaboratively to improve undergraduate mathematics education through open initiatives.

Expected Outcomes

Get universities using STACK in their moodle locally (ideal situation), or hosted by IDEMS initially
‘Create’ a small number of STACK reps who could become experts and run STACK in their departments/regions.
Identify individuals who could potentially become interns.
Share materials, experiences and ideas.
Identify the best courses to develop in the short term.
Identify areas that need improvement in courses already developed.

Courses already developed with STACK quizzes at Maseno University

(MCQ) Throughout the workshop, we want to prepare participants with automatically graded CAT quizzes ready to be used in their courses. There are a number of courses we already have freely available materials for. Select one that you would like to focus on or suggest an alternative course you would like to develop content for.