Hidden bias in standardized tests

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Marjolein Muskens has found that educational systems and teaching methods can inadvertently limit the opportunities of certain students. She is interested in students’ hidden talents and shedding light on the unintended obstacles that hinder students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Marjolein tells Annie Brookman-Byrne about her research into the bias found in standardized math tests. 

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Students are NOT lazy

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At some point along my journey as an educator, I made the conscious choice to believe that student laziness is a myth. But, Kyle, … come on. Surely, you’ve had lazy students in your class. EVERY class has those students. I must confess, on the surface, it sounds naive, shortsighted, and even downright foolish. One might argue that I allow myself to be duped and that I am far too easy on my students. Like anything, there is much that lies beneath the surface.

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The effect of content domain and question format to identify dyscalculia

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Developmental Dyscalculia (DD) is characterised by persistent difficulties in learning mathematical skills, which usually becomes apparent in the early years of schooling. Traditionally, DD is known to affect children’s arithmetic processing, whilst other domains of mathematics receive much less research attention. Nevertheless, contemporary diagnostic guidelines suggest that DD is linked to widespread and diverse difficulties, both within and outside of the domain of numbers. This study examined the performance (i.e., accuracy and number of questions attempted) of children on a curriculum-based mathematics assessment, considering the effect of content domains, question format (i.e., multiple-choice questions vs. constructed response questions) and test half. 

Read all about this research HERE

Dyscalculia in the mud

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Teaching outside helps kids with dyscalculia engage in hands-on, real-world math experiences, making abstract concepts more tangible and easier to grasp.

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New Short Film about dyscalculia

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At just 18, Olivia Louise Curto is making waves in Irish cinema with her latest short film, “My Way,” premiering at the Dublin International Film Festival (DIFF) on February 28.

Shot entirely in Leitrim, the film follows Evelyn, a 9-year-old girl with dyscalculia who discovers an unconventional way to understand maths—through patterns in nature. Inspired by Olivia’s own experiences with dyscalculia, the film challenges traditional ideas of intelligence and learning.

A rising talent in filmmaking, Olivia’s work has already earned awards, and “My Way” will soon be available on RTÉ Player!

Read more about it HERE