04/05/2026
Mathematics Research Seminar Series
A Taxonomy of Context-Based Mathematics Test Items
by Mark Lester Garcia
Ateneo de Manila University
May 7, 2026 (THU)
5:00-6:00 PM
SEC A 303 (Hybrid)
Zoom Link: https://ateneo-edu.zoom.us/j/83080587295?pwd=1b4lJuz3ZfLwbdK0uxVlObh1CIAIGD.1
Meeting ID: 830 8058 7295
Passcode: 368321
Abstract:
Mathematical literacy, as measured by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), focuses on a learnerโs ability to demonstrate the application of mathematics in diverse real-world contexts. In this talk, the speaker will discuss findings from his study on teachers' construction of test items that are aligned with the mathematics assessment framework of PISA. Test items can primarily be classified according to the domain categories in the framework, namely: content, context, and process categories. Given PISA's strong influence on policies of education systems around the globe, a proposed taxonomy of PISA-like math items will inform both mathematics teachers' instruction and assessment in terms of incorporating real-world contexts.
About the speaker:
Mark Lester Garcia finished his masterโs and doctorate degrees in mathematics education at the Department of Mathematics, Ateneo de Manila University. His research interests are in the fields of educational assessment, large-scale assessments, psychometric analysis, and item response theory. In 2024, he finished the diploma program International Professional Teacher Education in Hรคme University of Applied Sciences, Finland. Last year, he was accepted into the prestigious Bergen Summer Research School at the University of Bergen in Norway on a full scholarship. He has been invited by schools and universities to conduct talks and training for teachers on constructing PISA-like test items. At present, he is an active member of the Philippine Council of Mathematics Teacher Educators Inc. (MATHTED), where he currently serves as the coordinator of the special interest group on assessment in mathematics education.