Formative Assessment Materials for Large-Enrollment Physics Lecture Classes

该项目正在为大型的以讲座为基础的普通物理课程开发新的形成性评估材料。本项目的目标是（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）获得有关学生表现的基准数据，这些数据对使用这些材料的其他教师有价值。评估材料本身由精心排序的多项选择题组成，每项选择题都侧重于一个特定的主题。 个别项目主要是概念性的问题，淡化代数操作，而是大量使用图表，图形和图片元素。 这些材料旨在用于大型讲座课程，它们是专门设计的，以便在一节课的过程中对学生的学习进行快速可靠的评估。问题的结构和顺序是为了最大限度地提高学生与教师之间的互动，即使在大规模招生的班级中也是如此。 这些材料将用于沿着主动学习路线组织的班级，其中有一个课堂交流系统。 这种类型的系统，无论是电子或一个基于闪存卡，允许学生迅速信号多项选择回答教师提出的问题。 他们提供的即时反馈将使教师能够根据需要立即修改他们的演讲和计划的教学活动。 将通过网站、光盘和其他传播方法向教育界和其他感兴趣的受众提供这些材料和从这些材料中收集的基线数据。

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.