Some perspectives on high school mathematics evaluation

Includes bibliographies.This paper seeks to introduce the taxonomy developed by Bloom and also other taxonomies applied to Mathematics. The behavioural basis is considered before the actual taxonomies are presented giving due cognizance to the influence of behavioural objectives. The paper then demonstrates the way in which a taxonomy can be used in setting examination papers, and also gives a survey of the way Bloom's taxonomy and behavioural objectives have been used in instruction. Philosophical criticisms of objectives and the use of Bloom are considered followed by a survey of empirical findings in connection with both of these. Finally suggestions are firstly made as to how the taxonomy be used to examine mathematics question papers in South Africa in its albeit subjective manner, and secondly for further research