Re: [Phys-L] Evaluation tests

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 12/14/2013 10:26 AM, Promod Pratap asked:

> ... if there exists a test that we can administer in the first week
> of the first course of the algebra-based physics sequence 


Memo #1 from the keen-grasp-of-the-obvious department:

Give them an /algebra/ test.  A poor algebra score is a strong 
predictor of a poor showing in the algebra-based physics course.

   The converse is not necessarily true, but one-sided information 
   is better than none.

=======

Memo #2:  It would be even better to give such a test as a
placement test, well /before/ the start of class, rather than 
after.

Students who are weak in algebra should be strongly discouraged 
from enrolling in the physics course to begin with.  This is
waaaay better than enrolling and then dropping after it is too
late to sign up for something else.

You can put the test on the web, so that students can take it at
home, while they are still deciding what to sign up for.  Link 
to it from the official course description.  Cheaters hurt only 
themselves.  If necessary, you can catch cheaters on Day One by 
giving a brief, similar test in class.