Conceptual questions in computer-assisted assignments

Abstract

The computer-assisted personalized assignment system has been used to prepare and present conceptual, qualitative questions to students in large introductory classes. The questions appear to be effective in helping students to grasp concepts, as they stimulate dialogue and discussion among the students while they are seeking correct solutions, and provide the instructor with feedback on difficulties students encounter with certain concepts. No formal evaluation of the effectiveness of these questions has been made. Many conceptual, qualitative questions for introductory physics have been written with this system and used in assignments. Several examples are given and briefly discussed.