The primary mission
of the MC2 Evaluation team was to determine the
impact of the modular materials, created by the ModularChem
and
ChemLinks Consortia, on students and faculty. In addition, we
were
charged with helping faculty improve their own assessment methods.
To evaluate the modular materials, we have constructed an assessment
package focusing on change in students' conceptual understanding,
thinking skills and attitudes toward science. Conceptual
understanding was measured by using paper-and-pencil tests,
including
our own Concept Test as well as the ACS standardized exam. To
capture
students' scientific reasoning skills, we conduct think-aloud
interviews with students. The interview
employed a variety of questions, ranging from chemistry
problem-solving to experimental design to beliefs about how
chemists
conduct research. The latter question was designed to reveal
students' level of sophistication in their beliefs about chemistry.
Following on this vein, we employ a pre/post survey to gather
further
data on students' attitudes towards science and chemistry courses.
Synopsis of ChemConnections
Evaluation Studies
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Evaluation Materials On-Line!
Classroom Evaluation Instrument
This prototype course evaluation tool is designed to encourage responses that
focus on what students feel they gained from taking a particular classes instead
of less-pertinent comments about the instructors themselves. Have a look at the Classroom Evaluation Instrument.
Attitudinal Survey on the Web
To learn more about the Attitudinal Survey and how to administer
it (in on-line or pencil and paper form) to your chemistry
students, please see the Survey Information
Page.
Other on-line assessment and evaluation resources can be found
on the FLAG (Field-Tested Learning Assessment Guide) web site:
http://www.flaguide.org
These resources include:
-A Primer on Assessment
-Classroom Assessment Techniques (CATS)
-Seachable and Down-loadable tools
-Resources for Assessment
Another valuable resource on the FLAG web site is the SALG
(Student Assessment of Learning Gains) instrument.
http://www.wcer.wisc.edu/salgains/instructor/
This can be used as an end of the semester evaluation, but
is very useful in looking at the effect of classroom practices
and activities for formative as well as
summative assessments. The focus of the SALG is on "learning
gains" as such it
-assesses perceived degree of "gain" students made
in specific aspects of your class
-spotlights course elements that best support student learning
and those needing improvement
-is a web based instrument that requires 10-15 minutes to
use
-is easily modified and save by the instructor
-provides instant statistical analysis of results
-facilitates formative evaluation thoughout the course.
Both of these web sites are free and in the public domain.
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Evaluation Services for "Adapt and Adopt" Initiative Institutions:
The evaluators for the ChemLinks and the ModularChem Consortia would like to announce
our plan to provide evaluation consulting services to institutions participating
in the NSF Adapt and Adopt Initiative.
The two evaluation teams will provide slightly different kinds of services. A
detailed explanation and price list is posted so that
you may include the cost of such services in your budget to NSF.
Evaluation services include:
- Administering Pre/post Attitudinal Surveys.
- Providing Chemistry Concept Questions.
- Designing New Concept Questions.
- Designing 'Alternative' Assessments.
- Discussing General Assessment Issues.
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