Self-assessment in physical science courses

 

In this course we use various techniques to develop an understanding of the material:

 

1. Laboratory work
2. Class discussion  
3. Text (CD) and WWW reading  
4. Mathematical problem-solving
5. Computer simulations and classroom demonstrations

 

These allow us to approach the material from different perspectives to better understand it.  We all have preferences regarding these techniques, but we learn something useful from each of them.  I would like you to assess your learning in the first quarter of the course by looking at each of the techniques above and how they have helped you understand the course material. 

 

Step 1

 

With regards to the five techniques above write a brief statement about:

 

1.     In what respect you enjoy that technique.

2.     How that technique helps you understand the material.

3.     To what extent you are able to motivate yourself to work hard using that technique.

 

The table below may be helpful in organizing your responses (print this off and use it if you like):

 

 

Learning Technique	How is it enjoyable?	How is it helpful for understanding?	How does it motivate you?
Lab work
Class discussion
Reading
Problems
Demonstrations

 

 

Step 2    

 

Now consider the material we have covered in the course so far (for example, units and conversions):

 

I would like you to make a list of the topics we have covered and discuss each one.  Consider the following guidelines:

 

1. How is the topic relevant to you?  That is, can you see how it will be useful knowledge in your future?
2. Did you enjoy the topic?
3. How hard did you work to understand the topic?
4. Do you feel that you have a good understanding (or even mastery) of the topic?
5. Do you feel satisfied with what you know about the topic?

 

 

Here is another table you may find useful:

 

Topics	How is it relevant?	Was it enjoyable?	How hard did you work at it?	Do you understand it?	Are you satisfied with your knowledge?

 

 

 

Step 3

 

As a final step, I would like you to consider how you could improve your performance in the areas where you are dissatisfied:

 

You should look at which learning techniques can help you better understand the material and how you could work more effectively to get the level of understanding you desire.  For example, if you feel that your understanding of unit conversions needs some improvement, and that you have found reading the course text has been a fruitful avenue for that sort of understanding in the past, you would make a plan to read (or re-read) the relevant sections of the text.   (Likewise, you may choose to come get extra help from me by scheduling a meeting with me after school or at lunch.)  The follow-up column allows you to check up on yourself and your plans in a couple of weeks.  Did you do what you intended?  Did it help?  If not, why not?

 

Area for improvement	How I intend to improve in that area	Follow-up