Analysis of mathematics standardized tests: examples of tasks for teachers

This paper discusses examples of tasks for teachers proposed during some laboratory activities developed in two Italian teacher education courses for middle school mathematics teachers. Following a common script, the teachers carried out and shared an a priori analysis of some items selected from the Italian National Standardized Assessment. The tasks fostered the reflection on epistemological, cognitive and educational aspects: the teachers reflected on the mathematical contents involved, the link with the National Guidelines, and the possible students’ answers. The specific tasks and the laboratory approach make these activities well suited for showing and improving some aspects of teacher knowledge and skills.