NRAO/Socorro Colloquium Series: 12 December 2003

Michael Zeilik

The University of New Mexico


Results From the Astronomy Diagnostic Test: The Good, the Bad, and the Inequities


In summer 1999, the Collaboration for Astronomy Education Research (CAER) made the public release of the Astronomy Diagnostic Test, Version 2 - the first of its kind in astronomy. The process of test development followed that of physics diagnostic tests, such as the Force Concept Inventory (FCI). At UNM, we gave this test to students in an innovative, conceptually-based astronomy course for non-science majors (Astro 101). This model was based on cognitive theories of knowledge and "best practices" as identified in physics and astronomy education research and in robust results from other education research. Two members of CAER also carried out a pioneering national survey involving thousands of participants and a variety of "Astro 101" courses. I will compare the UNM results to the national baseline and focus on gender differences.






Friday, 12 December 2003
11:00am

Array Operations Center Auditorium

Local Host: Debra Shepherd


Other NRAO/Socorro colloquia