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Re: Test Writing



----- Original Message -----
From: "Tina Fanetti" <FanettT@QUEST.WITCC.CC.IA.US>
To: <PHYS-L@lists.nau.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, April 30, 2002 11:17 AM
Subject: Re: Test Writing


Again,
I am trying to write tests that the students can pass. They don't seem to
be able to even regurgitate back things.

The test they just took, had a class average of 57%.
The short answer questions were all just regurgitation and THEY CAN"T GET
THEM RIGHT!!!!

These are the questions:
1. What is diffraction? How does it differ from refraction?
2. Explain what polarization is and how it can occur for only light waves.
3. What is meant by the dual nature of light?
4. What is an emission spectrum? How does it differ from an absorption
spectrum? How do you get an emission spectrum and an absorption spectrum?
5. What is the difference between incandescence and fluorescence?


How can they apply what they don't know???



These are really pretty deep questions (#2 isn't correct as stated since
most E&M radiation can be polarized--you may be using 'light' for E&M here).
Yes they have simple one sentence answers, but they also have full chapter's
worth answers. You may want to focus your questioning--even the
regurgitation if you must use it--on more specific aspects of each topic.

Examples:

1. A diffraction pattern has bright and dark bands. Explain how such a
pattern is formed. (maybe include a picture of drawing of the pattern)

2. What does the index of refraction of a material really tell us?
(regurgitation)

3. Give an example of a phenomenon based on the wave nature of light and
one based on the particle nature of light.

4. Why do Polaroid sun-glasses reduce glare?

Just suggestions:

Rick

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Saint Mary's College
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rtarara@saintmarys.edu

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