Andrew Heckler, "The importance of time when considering student learning and achievement"

Abstract

When conducting research on student understanding or considering grades in courses, the accuracy of student work is the typical focus of attention. However, the dimension of time can also be a critically important factor to consider. In this talk we will survey physics education research results from a broad range of timescales. First, on the timescale of weeks and days, we examine how understanding of individual concepts evolves during a course. Second, on the scale of days and hours, we investigate when students submit assignments, allowing us to characterize, for example, students who do or do not procrastinate. Third, on the timescale of minutes to seconds, we examine how speed and change in speed in answering pre and posttest diagnostic questions relate to exam performance. Finally, on scales of second to fractions of a second, we investigate how response choices on simple physics multiple choice tasks allow us to probe implicit cognitive processes. Research at these different timescales, each with its own dynamics and mechanisms, can provide valuable insights for understanding learning and improving instruction.

Biography