| Make students responsible for their learning. My
| tests have three parts: multiple choice, math, and essays. By
| far, the math is easiest for them.
One can write problems that test concepts as well mathematical problem
solving skills; these often have concepts imbedded in context and
therefore may be the best one's for testing understanding. Though, I
hasten to add that I do use all styles of questions.
|Concepts are the most
| difficult. And few get the essays.
| If you really want to see what they know, try some questions
| where they have to write a paragraph or so.
|
Perhaps you learn more about their writing skills than about their
physics knowledge. OTOH, it is probably too much to expect excellently
written essays on understanding after a first past through survey
material. OTOH, if you cut out a lot of material from the typical first
year course, perhaps its not too much to ask.