Yan Zhang Diagnostic Interview

The document discusses the use of clinical interviews to assess students' conceptual mathematical knowledge and problem-solving skills. It notes that clinical interviews allow assessors to deeply probe student thinking, better determine understanding levels, and diagnose misconceptions. Effective questioning techniques include preparing questions in advance, clearly delivering questions, giving students time to think, and using probing follow-up questions. The document also reflects on a sample clinical interview with a 7th grade student about perimeter and area, noting the student's strengths in arithmetic and strategies but weaknesses in verbal communication and using tools. The interviewer interrupted the student too much and led them to answers instead of properly assessing understanding.