Assessing physics quantitative literacy in algebra-based physics: lessons learned

Abstract

Physics quantitative literacy (PQL)—applying familiar mathematics in novel ways in the context of physics— is ubiquitous across physics classrooms. The Physics Inventory for Quantitative Literacy, or PIQL, is a recently published reasoning inventory that can be used to assess PQL from calculus-based introductory physics through upper division courses (White Brahmia et al. 2021). There remains a need, however, for assessment of quantitative reasoning at the algebra-based level which includes not only algebra-based college courses but also pre-college physics courses. We present recent work adapting the PIQL to an algebra-based context towards developing the GERQN—the Generalized Equation-based Reasoning inventory for Quantities and Negativity. We report lessons learned from our efforts to adapt items from the calculus-based PIQL to the algebra-based GERQN, and provide examples of how items were revised to be within students proximal zone. We also report on our experience translating the GERQN into Flemish as part of a larger, on-going research project, and what we learned about language accessibility for native and non-native English speakers alike for developing assessment items, curricular materials, and when speaking with students.