Abstract:
Michigan State University is currently working to transform its introductory physics, chemistry, and biology courses. These transformation efforts have focused on engaging faculty in conversations about "three-dimensional learning" by determining what students should know (core ideas and crosscutting concepts) and what they should be able to do with that knowledge (scientific practices). In order to characterize the success of this transformation, we have been developing two research instruments. This talk will discuss the progress made by the Physics and Astronomy Department and then focus on the development and use of one of the research instruments, the Three-Dimensional Learning Assessment Protocol (3D-LAP). The 3D-LAP has been developed for two purposes: 1) To characterize assessment items as aligning (or not) with each of the three dimensions and 2) To develop assessment items that align with "three-dimensional learning". This work is being funded and supported by the Association of American Universities and Michigan State University.
