Mastering Physics enhances student success in Elementary Physics I
Pearson | December 10, 2021 in Meaningful Outcomes
by Pearson
Mastering Physics contributes to student success
From Fall 2016 to Fall 2017, Pearson partnered with Professor John McClain from Temple College in Temple, TX to investigate the impact of Mastering™ Physics with Conceptual Physics by Hewitt on student success in his Elementary Physics I course.
Researchers found that:
- Smaller, more frequent Mastering homework was assigned pre- and post-lecture to keep students engaged and to provide diverse learning opportunities.
- Correlations between Mastering Physics homework and exam averages were moderately strong.
- Students earning a Mastering score higher than the mean had significantly higher exam averages than students with a Mastering score at or below the mean.
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Why did Professor John McClain adopt Mastering Physics?
McClain adopted Mastering Physics as a resource to engage students through multiple types of interactive homework assignments, and to monitor learning and achievement by tracking students’ progress by comparing their performance to national standards through the Mastering diagnostics.
How was Mastering Physics implemented?
Elementary Physics I is part of a two-course sequence taken after completion of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). There are six unit exams administered through Mastering Physics. Exams are divided into two parts and each part has an immediate retake available. The final exam is comprehensive with questions from the Mastering test bank. Mastering homework includes:
- Reading quizzes,
- Checkups,
- Activities, and
- Test Yourself assignments.
Some Mastering assignments have a target due date to assist students in managing their time, but all Mastering assignments are due by the respective exam date. Mastering assignments account for 24% of the course grade.
Were students successful in the course?
Because McClain’s sections tend to be small, he evaluated three semesters of results for Elementary Physics I.
- The correlation between Mastering homework and exam average was moderately strong.
To better understand student performance, an analysis was completed looking at Mastering homework participation with a skipped homework considered to be one with a score of zero.
- While a high number of smaller Mastering homework was assigned, the majority of students attempted all assignments.
In addition, students earning above the Mastering mean had a significantly higher exam average than students earning at or below the mean.
Did students like using Mastering Physics?
Participation rates for Mastering homework are high, with the majority of students attempting all homework, indicating they are engaged in the course.
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