Verifying the learning process in Physics

Abstract

The paper describes an automated evaluation system for the learning of general Physics. The system whose name is Test on Line (ToL) is based on a questions bank from which an appropriate software generates individual multi-issue questionnaires to be submitted through the web. ToL has been extensively experimented during three years and is presently in use for basic Physics courses at the Engineering Faculties of the Turin Politecnico. The results of the experimentation and use are presented and discussed. Cumulating data allows for an optimization of the internal partitions of the questions bank and of the selection criteria for the generation of the questionnaires. The instrument proved to be useful and reliable and could become the core of an agreed common standard for physics education at university level.