Using computer adaptive testing (CAT) to improve STEM learning, test performance, and retention

PI旨在采用计算机自适应测试（CAT）来改善：物理的STEM学习，测试表现和学生保留。 PI指出，这种跨学科的经验性建议结合了测试/测量，认知和STEM教育的专业知识来诊断学生？在参加高风险课程考试之前解决问题和概念缺陷，然后设计旨在纠正已确定的缺陷的干预措施，以提高学生？课程表现，并最终保留在STEM学科。在本科阶段的物理学领域内工作，研究小组将调查使用计算机自适应测试（CAT）技术的可行性，以设计一种认知诊断计算机自适应测试（CD-CAT）工具，准确地预测学生？未来的表现在困难的STEM入门本科课程的测试之前，他们的管理。潜在的发现将与其他STEM学科相关，如果成功，将扩大参与。

The PI porposes to employ computer adaptive testing (CAT) to improve: STEM learning of Physics, test performance and student retention. The PI notes that this interdisciplinary, empirical proposal combines expertise in testing/measurement, cognition, and STEM education to diagnose students? problem solving and conceptual deficits prior to taking high-stakes course exams, and then to devise interventions aimed at remedying identified deficits in order to improve students? course performance and, ultimately, their retention in STEM disciplines. Working within the domain of physics at the undergraduate level, the research team will investigate the feasibility of using computer adaptive testing (CAT) techniques to devise a cognitively diagnostic computer adaptive testing (CD-CAT) tool that accurately predicts students? future performance on tests in difficult STEM introductory undergraduate courses prior to their administration. The potential findings will have relevance for other STEM disciplines, and if successful, for broadening participation.