CalipersII: Using Simulations to Assess Complex Science Learning

为了回应国家对提高科学学习、教学和评估质量的需求，WestEd提交的这份为期五年的提案旨在开创以模拟为基础、嵌入课程、具有即时、个性化反馈的探究性形成性评估，并支持中学生在生活、物理和地球科学方面的反思活动。在与AAAS 2061项目的联合努力中，WestEd计划扩大Calpers I的样本--这是一个由ESI资助的示范项目，重点是使用模拟来评估复杂的科学学习--并建立在REC支持的项目--基于标准的科学探究评估的有效性：实施研究--的基础上。该提案的目标是：(1)为物理、生活和地球科学的关键内容以及科学探究策略开发形成性和基于模拟的科学知识评估；(2)通过即时、个性化的反馈、反思活动和补充教学提示来增强形成性评估模拟模块；(3)开发和记录基于技术的评估设计和范例，以利用模拟环境为形成性和终结性目的提供科学标准评估；(4)记录所采用的技术基础设施和可重复使用的设计和过程；(5)提供新评估的技术质量、可行性和可用性的证据；(6)研究形成性评估对复杂科学探究学习的影响；(7)将扩大的Calpers II基准和形成性和嵌入式评估集合与国家科学标准和AAAS题库联系起来。初步产品包括六套有效的基于模拟的形成性评估和一个可扩展的中学科学评估模型。AAAS的审查(标准一致)、咨询小组和外部评估员是拟议的评估的特点。传播计划包括在主要专业组织中发表演讲，通过WestEd的学生学习评估和评价中心网站分享范例，以及与其他网站(如AAAS)的链接。

In response to the national need to improve the quality of science learning, instruction, and assessment, the five-year WestEd-submitted proposal aims at pioneering simulation-based, curriculum-embedded, inquiry formative assessments with immediate, individualized feedback and supporting reflection activities for middle school students in life, physical, and earth science. In a joint effort with AAAS Project 2061, WestEd plans to scale-up exemplars from Calipers I - an ESI-funded demonstration project focused on using simulations to assess complex science learning - and build on a REC-supported project - Validities of Standards-Based Science Inquiry Assessments: Implementation Study. The proposal's objectives are: (1) to develop formative and benchmark simulation-based assessments of science knowledge for key content in physical, life, and earth science, and for science inquiry strategies; (2) to enhance formative assessment simulation modules with immediate, individualized feedback, reflection activities, and supplementary instructional hints; (3) to develop and document technology-based assessment designs and exemplars that take advantage of simulation environments to provide assessment of science standards for formative and summative purposes; (4) to document the technical infrastructure and re-usable designs and processes employed; (5) to provide evidence of the technical quality, feasibility, and usability of the new assessments; (6) to study the influence of formative assessments on complex science inquiry learning; and (7) to link the enlarged collection of Calipers II benchmark and formative and embedded assessments to national science standards and the AAAS item clusters.Anticipated products include six sets of validated simulation-based formative assessments, and a scalable model for middle school science assessment. AAAS' reviews (standards alignment), an Advisory Panel, and an external evaluator characterize the proposed evaluation. Dissemination plans include presentations in major professional organizations, sharing of exemplars through WestEd's Center for Assessment and Evaluation of Student Learning site, and linkages to other websites (e.g., AAAS).