Evaluating students' cognitive understanding of core concepts and identifying learning path aligned with their cognitive developmental patterns are critical for enhancing conceptual mastery in chemistry. This study employed the Rule Space Model to investigate students' cognitive characteristics and learning path in comprehending the conceptual…

Reports the design of the "Mechanics Baseline Test," an instrument to assess students' understandings about concepts in mechanics. Discusses how comparisons of test results with extensive baseline data can be used to evaluate instruction at all levels. Includes a copy of the instrument. (MDH)

Reports the rationale, design, validation, and uses of the "Force Concept Inventory," an instrument to assess the students' beliefs on force. Includes results and implications of two studies that compared the inventory with the "Mechanics Baseline." Includes a copy of the instrument. (MDH)