Assessing, Understanding and Improving the Transfer of Learning in Undergraduate Math, Science and Engineering

这个项目是测试学生在工程课程中传递知识和技能的能力。它的重点是有多少知识从微积分、微分方程式和物理转移到后续的工程课程。我们正在开发一系列诊断考试，以衡量基本技能和概念从这些领域转移到工程动力学、场和波的程度。之所以选择这两门课程，是因为它们在工程学中的广泛应用，以及它们对早期课程中的概念的广泛使用。我们还在探索高分与学生传授微积分、微分方程式和物理知识的能力之间的关系。我们正在评估加强技能转移的课堂实践。该项目的产品之一是RPI的安德森本科教育创新中心正在开发的“转学环境和学生准备工具”。这一工具评估了一系列已知与提高转移能力相关的环境和情感变量。它旨在帮助学生评估他们对自己的课程的看法是整合的还是脱节的和支离破碎的。

This project is examining students ability to transfer knowledge and skills within the engineering curriculum. It is focused on how much knowledge is transferred from Calculus, Differential Equations, and Physics to subsequent engineering courses. We are developing a series of diagnostic exams that measure the degree of transfer of basic skills and concepts from these areas into Engineering Dynamics, and Fields and Waves. These two courses were chosen because of their wide application in engineering and because of their extensive use of concepts from these earlier courses. We are also exploring the strength of relationship between high grades and a student's ability to transfer knowledge from Calculus, Differential Equations, and Physics. We are evaluating classroom practices that strengthen transfer of skills. Among the products of this project is the "Transfer Environment and Student Readiness Instrument" being developed at RPI's Anderson Center for Innovation in Undergraduate Education. This instrument assesses a range of environmental and affective variables known to correlate with improved transfer capability. It is meant to help students evaluate their own perception about their courses as being integrated or disconnected and fragmented.