Knowledge Survey for Engineering Statics
Initial Publication Date: December 31, 2016
Summary
This knowledge survey consists of 122 specific tasks mapped to eight course-level learning outcomes. The survey can be administered multiple times during the quarter. Students report on their confidence level regarding their ability to perform the specific tasks that make up the survey.
Learning Goals
The knowledge survey serves as a study guide for course exams. The survey also supports the development of students' metacognition skills as they self-assess their own learning progress. The tasks included in the survey span all levels of Bloom's taxonomy.
Context for Use
This survey is developed for a standard sophomore level course in Engineering Statics. Engineering Statics is the field of engineering mechanics focused on the analysis of forces acting on bodies in equilibrium and how forces are transmitted through structures. The course is an application of Newtonian physics, vector mathematics, and integral calculus. Course prerequisites are one quarter of calculus-based physics and integral calculus. Use of the survey is independent of class size. The survey is easily administered as a Google form.
Description and Teaching Materials
The survey is easily administered as a Google Form that students complete outside of class time. The "multiple choice grid" question type is the most efficient approach. The uploaded Excel file includes the 122 specific tasks (success criteria) mapped to the eight course learning outcomes.
The survey instructions given to students are as follows (copy/paste into form introduction):
The task descriptions below are success criteria associated with the course-level learning outcomes in ENGR& 214 at Whatcom Community College.
For each task, select the response that most closely reflects your current confidence level that you can accurately perform the task. Think about these tasks in the context of solving mechanics problems.
1. I am unable to perform the task at this time. I am not sure exactly what the task entails.
2. I am able to partially perform the task at this time. I am at least 50% familiar with the task but could use some more instruction and/or practice.
The survey instructions given to students are as follows (copy/paste into form introduction):
The task descriptions below are success criteria associated with the course-level learning outcomes in ENGR& 214 at Whatcom Community College.
For each task, select the response that most closely reflects your current confidence level that you can accurately perform the task. Think about these tasks in the context of solving mechanics problems.
1. I am unable to perform the task at this time. I am not sure exactly what the task entails.
2. I am able to partially perform the task at this time. I am at least 50% familiar with the task but could use some more instruction and/or practice.
3. I can consistently perform the task for evaluation at this time. I am ready for the test!
The Excel file lists the tasks (success criteria) that are included in the survey.
Success Criteria for Statics Knowledge Survey (Excel 2007 (.xlsx) 17kB Nov22 16)
Teaching Notes and Tips
In order to promote participation by students, I recommend awarding participation points for completion of the survey. I also have had good experience reporting survey results back to the students in summary form.
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Assessment
There are multiple ways the survey data can be analyzed and presented graphically. One example is to correlate survey responses with exam scores. This analysis can be reported back to students and can help identify students who are over or under confident. The data can also be useful for ensuring course learning activities are well-aligned to course outcomes.
References and Resources
More information on Knowledge Surveys and their many uses and benefits can be found on the SERC website here: http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/assess/knowledgesurvey/index.html.