The multi-million-dollar inventory: the FCI uses and applications: The FCI uses and applications

Wade Naylor

Authors

Wade Naylor ACU https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2133-7924

Keywords:

concept inventories, item response theory, computerised adaptive testing

Abstract

The Force Concept Inventory (FCI), developed by Hestenes et al. (1993), is a well-known conceptual pre- and post-test used extensively in Physics Education research. It is often referred to as the "million-dollar concept inventory" due to its significant impact and the extensive years of research conducted using it. In Physics and other STEM subjects, it is crucial for students to go beyond just memorization and equation hunting. They need to grasp the underlying concepts and see the big picture. This presentation will discuss various Concept Inventories (CIs) used in STEM education. A common issue with CIs is the additional time required to complete them, which can increase student anxiety. This presentation explores different approaches to utilizing and interpreting the FCI. Key topics include identifying dominant misconceptions from pre-test results to guide teaching, calculating Hake Gain, and using Item Response Theory (IRT) for a precise mathematical definition of gain. IRT can also facilitate the implementation of Computerised Adaptive Testing (CAT), which personalizes the test to each student's ability level. I will present ongoing and preliminary work with the FCI at the Physics Departments at the University of Johannesburg and the University of Lyon. These projects include applying these methods to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of CIs. A significant benefit of using CAT is the reduction in time required for students to complete the inventory, which also helps in reducing their anxiety.

Author Biography

Wade Naylor, ACU

Wade is a lecturer in Education at Australian Catholic University, specialising in physics and maths education. A former theoretical physicist in the UK and Japan he spent over 15 years investigating the dynamical Casimir effect and developed a novel mathematical approach to solving black hole quasinormal modes. After taking the plunge on a graduate diploma course, he spent over five years teaching physics and mathematics at high schools in Queensland. His education research areas predominantly focus on conceptual understanding in physics and mathematics. Wade is also a Visiting Senior Research Associate at the Physics Department, University of Johannesburg, South Africa.