
Colorado UppeR-division ElectrodyNamics Test (CURrENT)
Developed by Charles Baily, Michael Dubson, and Steven J. Pollock
Purpose | To assess fundamental skills and understanding of core topics from advanced undergraduate electrodynamics. |
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Format | Pre/post, Short answer |
Duration | Pre: 15 min, Post: 50 min |
Focus | Electricity / Magnetism Content knowledge (vector calculus, complex exponentials, time-dependent Maxwell equations, Ohm's law, conservation of charge and energy, electromagnetic plane wave, transmission & reflection) |
Level | Upper-level |
Research
RESEARCH VALIDATION
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This is the third highest level of research validation, corresponding to at least 3 of the validation categories below.
Research Validation Summary
Based on Research Into:
- Student thinking
Studied Using:
- Student interviews
- Expert review
- Appropriate statistical analysis
Research Conducted:
- At multiple institutions
- By multiple research groups
- Peer-reviewed publication
The free-response questions on the CURrENT were developed based on previously established learning goals, expert input, and common student difficulties. Questions were refined through student interviews and analysis of student performance on the test. The CURrENT has been given to over 30 students at 2 institutions. The results are published in one peer-reviewed publications.
References
- C. Baily, M. Dubson, and S. Pollock, Research-Based Course Materials and Assessments for Upper-Division Electrodynamics (E&M II), presented at the Physics Education Research Conference 2012, Philadelphia, PA, 2012.
- C. Baily, Q. Ryan, C. Astolfi, and S. Pollock, Conceptual assessment tool for advanced undergraduate electrodynamics, Phys. Rev. Phys. Educ. Res. 13 (2), 020113 (2017).
- B. Wilcox, M. Caballero, C. Baily, H. Sadaghiani, S. Chasteen, Q. Ryan, and S. Pollock, Development and uses of upper-division conceptual assessments, Phys. Rev. ST Phys. Educ. Res. 11 (2), 020115 (2015).