PHYC 4D - Physics for Scientists and Engineers IV - Stage 5 - Karl Westerberg

Assessment

Assessment Methods

Analysis of exam, quiz, or homework items linked to specific SLOs

Assessment DescriptionWe asked 1-2 multiple choice questions for each SLO listed below on midterm and final exams in order to assess the student learning outcomes. SLO I was evaluated for the first time this semester. The other SLOs were evaluated in previous semesters and we reassessed this semester to see if anything changed. In the interest of preserving the integrity of the exam questions, they will not be stated here.
Learning OutcomesA. Explain the basic principles of special relativity.

B. Analyze events from the perspective of different inertial frames using the Lorentz transformations.

F. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Bohr model of the atom.

I. Apply separation of variables to quantum mechanics problems in 2 and 3 dimensions.

J. Calculate the possible quantum states for the hydrogen atom.
Number of Sections1
Number of Instructors1
Number of Students34

Data Analysis

Data Shared With

Faculty and staff within our department

Data Sharing Methods
  • Face-to-face meetings
  • Email
Data SummarySLO % correct in Spring 2013 % correct in Fall 2012

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B 47% 69%

J 84% 70%

A 97% 82%

F 83%/85% 63%

I 65%/88% ---
Analysis SummaryWe consider more than 70% correct on an SLO question to be a favorable outcome. Using this rubric, SLOs A, F, J resulted in favorable outcomes, in each case having increased from last semester to achieving more than 80% correct.

For SLO B, the percent correct dropped from 69% in Fall 2012 to 47% in Spring 2013, with 29% of the Spring 2013 choosing an answer that suggests that they may be confusing motion (velocity) with acceleration. We are planning changes in the lecture to address this possible confusion, but are also cautious not to overreact at this time, as changes in % correct answers could be statistical fluctuations (case in point: SLO J went from 90%->70%->84% over three semesters with little change in the course content).

For SLO I (assessed for the first time in Spring 2013), we asked two questions (one on exam 3 and the other on the final) related to separation of variables. The first question addressed the relationship between the wavefunctions of the 1-dimensional particle with that of a 2 or 3-dimensional particle, and the second question addressed the relationship between the energies of these particles. The students clearly understand (88% correct) the energy relationship, but struggled a little with the wavefunction (65%).
Next Steps PlannedFor SLOs A, F, and J, no improvements are necessary.

For SLO B, we will attempt to address the possible confusion between motion (velocity) and acceleration and the role they play in the twin paradox. This SLO will be reassessed during Fall 2013 to see if anything changes.

For SLO I, we will try to clarify the relationship between the wavefunctions of 1-dimensional and 2/3-dimensional particles, and will also reassess this SLO during Fall 2013.
Learning OutcomesB. Analyze events from the perspective of different inertial frames using the Lorentz transformations.

I. Apply separation of variables to quantum mechanics problems in 2 and 3 dimensions.

Tentative Future Plans

TermFall 2013
Activities
  • Revision of outcomes and assessment methods (measurements)
  • Assessment (measurement) of outcomes
  • Analysis and discussion of assessment data and next steps
  • Implementation of planned changes and reassessment
More DetailsWe will be making modest changes to the lecture to reflect the results of the Spring 2013 assessments. We will also be reassessing SLOs B and I in order to see if these changes had any effect on the outcome. We will also be developing other assessment questions during Fall 2013. In particular, we will assess SLO E (Calculate expectation values from wave functions) using a combination of multiple choice and calculation questions. We hope to complete the assessment step for the remaining SLOs (C, G, H, K) either by Spring 2014 or Fall 2014 at the latest.

SLO Details Storage Location

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