Formative Assessment Materials for Large-Enrollment Physics Lecture Classes

该项目正在为以讲座为基础的大型入门普通物理课程开发新的形成性评估材料。项目的目标是(1)分析这些材料的可靠性和有效性，(2)评估它们在教学过程中的有效性，(3)获得关于学生表现的基线数据，这对其他使用这些材料的教师来说是有价值的。评估材料本身由一组精心排序的多项选择题组成，每个问题都集中在一个特定的主题上。个别问题主要是概念性问题，淡化了代数运算，而是大量使用了图表、图形和图片元素。这些材料旨在用于大型课堂，它们是专门设计的，以允许快速和可靠地评估学生在一节课的过程中的学习。问题的结构和顺序的制定是为了最大限度地在每分钟的基础上进行激烈的师生互动，即使在招生人数较多的班级中也是如此。这些材料将用于按照主动学习路线组织的课堂，其中有可用的课堂交流系统。这种类型的系统，无论是电子系统还是基于闪存卡的系统，允许学生快速发出信号，对教师提出的问题做出多项选择回答。他们提供的即时反馈将允许教师在演示文稿和计划的教学活动中根据需要立即进行更改。从这些材料中收集的材料和基线数据将通过网站、光盘和其他传播方式提供给教育界和其他感兴趣的受众。

This project is developing new formative assessment materials for large introductory lecture-based general physics courses. Among the project goals are to (1) analyze the reliability and validity of these materials, (2) evaluate their effectiveness in the process of instruction, and (3) acquire baseline data regarding student performance that will be of value to other instructors who make use of the materials.The assessment materials themselves consist of carefully sequenced sets of multiple-choice questions, each focused on a specific topic. The individual items are primarily conceptual questions that downplay algebraic manipulations, and instead make heavy use of diagrammatic, graphical, and pictorial elements. The materials are intended for use in large lecture classes, and they are specifically designed to allow for rapid and reliable assessment of student learning during the course of a single class. The structure and sequencing of the questions are formulated to maximize intense student-instructor interaction on a minute-by-minute basis even in large-enrollment classes. The materials will be used in classes organized along active-learning lines in which a classroom communication system is available. This type of system, either electronic or one based on flash cards, allows students to rapidly signal multiple-choice responses to questions posed by the instructor. The instantaneous feedback they provide will allow instructors to make immediate alterations, as needed, in their presentations and in planned instructional activities. The materials and baseline data gathered from these materials will be made available via websites, CD-ROMs and through other dissemination methods to reach the education community and other interested audiences.