PHYC 2A - Introductory Physics I - Stage 5 - Karl Westerberg
Assessment
| Assessment Methods | Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs |
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| Assessment Description | We analyzed a final exam question on the subject of static equilibrium as part of the GEO Area C assessment. To answer this question correctly, the students were first required to correctly identify all forces acting on an object using a force diagram, and then were required to apply both conditions for static equilibrium and correctly solve a pair of algebraic equations for two unknown forces. This exam question was given to all PHYC 2A students across all sections. Further details of the assessment question will not be published online, as this question may be used in future assessments. |
| Learning Outcomes | This assessment applies to the following course objective from the current PHYC 2A outline (dated 10/1999): 3. Identify important concepts in physical problems and bring to bear the necessary formulas and mathematics needed to solve the problems. This assessment also applies to the following SLOs from the updated course outline that is in the process of being submitted for approval by curriculum committee during their 9/11/2013 meeting: C. Analyze a physical situation with multiple forces acting on a point mass or extended object using Newton's Laws of Motion. F. Solve physics problems using trigonometry and algebraic techniques such as solutions of linear systems in two variables and quadratic equations. The force diagram relates to SLO C and the mathematical part of the problem relates to SLO F. |
| Number of Sections | 2 |
| Number of Instructors | 2 |
| Number of Students | 115 |
GE Area C Details
| Learning Outcomes | From the current course outline (dated 10/1999)... 3. Identify important concepts in physical problems and bring to bear the necessary formulas and mathematics needed to solve the problems. From the updated course outline submitted to curriculum committee... C. Analyze a physical situation with multiple forces acting on a point mass or extended object using Newton's Laws of Motion. F. Solve physics problems using trigonometry and algebraic techniques such as solutions of linear systems in two variables and quadratic equations. |
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| Number Students: Proficient | 44 |
| Number Students: Developing | 59 |
| Number Students: No Evidence | 12 |
| Criteria | The final exam question was divided into two parts: the first part was to construct the force diagram, and the second part was to solve the conditions for static equilibrium for the two unknown forces. The first part was scored out of a possible four points, one point awarded for each force correctly identified and placed on the force diagram (there were supposed to be four forces on the diagram). Points were subtracted for extra forces that were NOT supposed to be part of the force diagram. The second part was scored out of a possible four points, awarded as follows: one point for recognizing this as a static equilibrium situation, one point each for each of the two conditions correctly applied, and one point for the correct solution to the algebraic equations. The results of both parts were combined, and each student was assigned a pair of numbers n/m where n is the score for the first part (force diagram) and m is the score for the second part (static equilibrium problem). Students falling within the score categories 3/3, 3/4, 4/3, and 4/4 were judged to be at the Proficiency Stage. Students falling within the score categories 0/0, 0/1, 1/0, and 2/0 were judged to be at the No Evidence Stage. All other students were judged to be at the Developing Stage. |
| Extra Details | More details can be found in the PHYC 2-series binder kept within the Physics department, and is in electronic form on my own computer. |
Tentative Future Plans
| Term | Fall 2013 |
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| Activities |
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| More Details | Questions on rotational motion and rotational equilibrium have historically been difficult for students, and we are definitely seeing evidence of that struggle in the assessment data that we collected during Spring 2013 as part of the GEO Area C assessment, with only 38% of the students achieving the proficiency stage. We will have different instructors teaching PHYC 2A during Fall 2013. They are planning on increasing the allotment of time on rotation in order to give the students more time to learn the material. They will also be meeting regularly to discuss instructional methodologies. One of the instructors will be using clicker-style questions in class, so we will have an opportunity to see what effect that has on the results. There will also be a more comprehensive assessments planned for Fall 2013, with across-section common exam questions on multiple exams. We anticipate that this particular rotational equilibrium question will be part of the assessment during Fall 2013, in order to evaluate any improvements. |
SLO Details Storage Location
- HARD COPY - In a department filing system (department office)
- ELECTRONIC COPY - In my electronic filing system (hard drive or web server)