Formative Assessment Materials for Large-Enrollment Physics Lecture Classes

本项目为大型导论型普通物理课程开发新的形成性评估材料。该项目的目标包括：(1)分析这些材料的可靠性和有效性，(2)评估其在教学过程中的有效性，以及(3)获取有关学生表现的基线数据，这些数据将对使用这些材料的其他教师有价值。评估材料本身由一系列精心排序的选择题组成，每个选择题都聚焦于一个特定的主题。个别项目主要是概念性问题，淡化代数操作，而是大量使用图表、图形和图像元素。这些材料适用于大型讲座课程，它们是专门设计的，可以在单个课程中快速可靠地评估学生的学习情况。问题的结构和顺序的制定，以最大限度地加强学生与教师的互动，每分钟的基础上，即使在大招生班级。这些材料将在课堂上使用，这些课堂将按照主动学习的方式组织，并有课堂交流系统。这种类型的系统，要么是电子的，要么是基于抽认卡的，允许学生对教师提出的问题快速做出选择题。他们提供的即时反馈将允许教师根据需要在他们的演讲和计划的教学活动中立即做出改变。从这些材料中收集的材料和基线数据将通过网站、光盘只读存储器和其他传播方法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.