Using Rasch to Develop and Validate an Assessment of Students' Progress on the Energy Concept

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 62
  In Roundtable Session: Applications of the Rasch Model

Abstract

This paper describes the development and validation of a set of three assessment instruments that can be used to assess students’ progress on the energy concept (ASPECt). Rasch analysis techniques were used throughout the development process to guide the construction of an item bank and the selection of items for inclusion on the instruments. Rasch analysis techniques also were used to validate the instrument and design support materials to aid in the interpretation of student performance. A cross-sectional analysis was performed to determine the match between the instruments and students and revealed that currently the difficulties of intermediate and advanced instruments are greater than the performance level of students in grades four through twelve.

Authors

• Cari F. Herrmann-Abell, BSCS Science Learning

• Joseph Hardcastle, American Association for the Advancement of Science

• George E. DeBoer, American Association for the Advancement of Science