How to Develop Effective Assessment Methods for Undergraduate Physics Courses?

[rpardo]

Hey guys,

I was lucky enough to get an undergraduate research position at the university where I study. My project involves rewriting the test bank for the physics courses taken by 1st year life science majors (Biology, Enviro Sci, etc) students and coming up with a marking scheme for said quizzes (I would refer to their courses as Physics without Calculus). In order to this properly I have been told to research the topic of undergraduate assessment in physics. So, I am turning to you guys for any relevant journal articles, anecdotes, and advise you can give me regarding the subject at hand, as well as any tips for coming up with relevant questions, and proper marking schemes.

Thanks in advance guys

 

[TonyG]

!

Dear fellow researcher,

Congratulations on securing an undergraduate research position in your field of study! It sounds like you have a very interesting and important project ahead of you. As a scientist in the field of physics, I am happy to provide you with some resources and tips for your research on undergraduate assessment in physics.

Firstly, I would recommend looking at recent journal articles on this topic. Some reputable journals in this area include Physics Education, The Physics Teacher, and American Journal of Physics. These journals often publish articles on undergraduate assessment methods and their effectiveness in promoting learning and understanding in physics. Additionally, you can also search for articles on specific assessment methods such as multiple choice questions, problem-solving tasks, and conceptual questions.

In terms of anecdotes, it may be helpful to reach out to professors or graduate students in your university's physics department. They may have valuable insights and experiences on designing and grading assessments for first-year physics courses. You can also attend department seminars or workshops on teaching and assessment in physics to gather more information and ideas.

When it comes to creating relevant and effective questions, it is important to keep in mind the learning objectives of the course and the level of understanding expected from the students. Questions should be challenging but not overly difficult, and should assess both conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills. It may also be helpful to pilot test your questions with a small group of students to gather feedback and make necessary revisions.

In terms of marking schemes, it is important to have clear and consistent criteria for grading. This can include assigning points for correct answers, partial credit for partially correct answers, and deducting points for incorrect answers. You can also consider incorporating rubrics to provide more detailed feedback to students on their performance.

I hope these tips and resources will be helpful for your research on undergraduate assessment in physics. Best of luck with your project and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions or need more guidance.