Fall2006ClassroomAssessmentTechniqueReport.docVIP

Fall 2006 Classroom Assessment Technique Report Department: Chemical and Materials Engineering (2) Prepared by: John A. Nychka CAT Format: CAT #26: Human Tableau (CAT performed in September) Teaching Goals Higher order learning skills were primarily targeted: develop ability to synthesize and integrate information and ideas problem solving skills analytic skills develop ability to think holistically: to see the whole as well as the parts along with the following teaching goals: improve ability to follow directions, instructions and plans develop an ability to draw reasonable inferences from observations learn to evaluate methods and materials in this subject Implementation of the CAT This CAT was improvised after thinking of the idea the night before as I was drifting off to sleep. Preparation time and performance time were minimal, but feedback and analysis was instantaneous. Subject matter was critical for the success of this improvised CAT. The topic was atomic diffusion and point defects in crystals. Students were asked to stand up. Amazingly they all did! Students were divided into two groups: boy atoms and girl atoms each on one side of the room. Each group was then asked to sit in desks to form a crystal structure. Students had to work together and communicate to perform this task. Once the groups seated themselves they were asked a series of questions, as if they were atoms, regarding where they were sitting, and how they were organized as it concerns crystal structure, properties, and defects. The students were then asked to stand up again and collect on opposite sides of the room. The students were then asked to display atomic diffusion and attain an equilibrium structure. The students were guided by certain questions to make sure the know how to diffuse and be seated to attain equilibrium. Turning Data into Useful Information No data was generated by this CAT. Feedback was in the form of a guided discussion whereby the students were asked cert