Preliminary Results of Audience Response System Use For

Conceptest Evaluation in Large-Lecture Introductory Geology

ClassesAnn E Holmes

Univ. of Tennessee, Chattanooga

Acknowledgments

• Research Funded by NSF-CCLI Grant #0716290

• Lead colleagues David Steer, Julie Libarkin - University of Akron

• Other collaborators• Arizona State University – Steve Semken• California State University, Fullerton - ?• Community College of Rhode Island - Kortz• University of North Carolina, Charlotte - Jake Armour

What are Conceptests?

• Multiple-choice questions used to: – Explore depth of student understanding– Provide timely feedback for students and

instructors– Facilitate peer instruction and just-in-time

teaching– Utilize Bloom’s Learning Domains

• Knowledge• Understanding• Application

• Analysis• Synthesis• Evaluation

Where Can I Find Conceptests?

Available online: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/conceptests/index.html

Large-lecture Intro Physical Geology Classes at UTC

• Semester class

• 80-120 students in theatre-style room

• Meets 2 times/week for 1 hr 15 min.

• 3 exams & a final (all scantron)

• Multiple choice with 10 pt essay

i>clicker use

• engages students

• provides anonymity

• active learning

• provides practice answering questions before the exam

• instructor knows if material needs more discussion http://www.colorado.edu/CNS/cuclickers/instructors/

images/pcinstall_08_V2.jpg

Suggestions for i>clicker use

• Provide reward points

• Keep reward small (mine is 2 pts maximum per session)

• Use similar conceptest questions on exams

https://blackboard.uic.edu/bbcswebdav/users/garay/talks/Reach2009/reach20095.html

Examples of Conceptest Questions

Open, Closed, Isolated Systems Question #1 ind. response

Which system icon below represents an isolated system?

A B C

Open, Closed, Isolated Systems Question #2 after peer review

Which system icon below represents an isolated system?

A B C

Open, Closed Isolated Systems Question #3 similar question

What type of system is represented here?

a. Open

b. Closed

c. Isolated

Systems Exam Question

Two systems (fishbowls with migrating fish) in the photo below are considered __ systems. a. isolatedb. closedc. opend. transparente. eco-

Systems Exam Question Answer

Two systems (fishbowls with migrating fish) in the photo below are considered __ systems. a. isolatedb. closedc. opend. transparente. eco-

98.6% gave

correct answer

Plate Tectonics Map #1 individual response

Examine the map and answer the question that follows.

How many plates are present?a. 3b. 4

c. 5d. 6

Plate Tectonics Map #1 After peer review

Examine the map and answer the question that follows.

How many plates are present?a. 3b. 4

c. 5d. 6

a. 3b. 4

c. 5d. 6

PT Question #1Similar Concept

Examine the map and answer the question that follows

How many plates are present?

PT Exam Question

How many lithospheric plates are located in the map below?a. 5b. 4c. 3d. 2e. 1

PT Exam Question Answer

87.8% gave

correct answer

How many lithospheric plates are located in the map below?a. 5b. 4c. 3d. 2e. 1

Earthquake Question #2ind. response

Which of the maps below best represents the distribution of magnitude 6 or greater earthquakes in South America within a decade?

Earthquake Question #2peer review

Which of the maps below best represents the distribution of magnitude 6 or greater earthquakes in South America within a decade?

Earthquake Question #2similar question

Which of the maps below best represents the distribution of magnitude 6 or greater earthquakes in North America within a decade?

E’quake Exam QuestionWhich of the maps below best represents the

distribution of magnitude 6 or greater earthquakes in South America within a decade?

E’quake Exam Question AnswerWhich of the maps below best represents the

distribution of magnitude 6 or greater earthquakes in South America within a decade?

86.4% chose A as correct answer

Table of Clicker Results

Plate Tect. E’quake

Spring 2009n=~70

Ind 30.5% Peer 54.0%Sim 91.5%

Ind 39%Peer 81%Sim 86%

Fall 2009n=~60

Ind 30.5% Peer 54.0%Sim 91.5%

Ind 85%Peer 95% Sim 82%

Addressing Bloom’s

Taxonomyof

LearningThrough Effective Clicker

Questions