Dataset for measuring the conceptual understanding of optics in Rwanda

Kizito Ndihokubwayo,Irénée Ndayambaje,Michael Ralph,Jean Uwamahoro

doi:10.12688/f1000research.53135.1

Kizito Ndihokubwayo, Irénée Ndayambaje + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.53135.1

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Abstract

This dataset is an accumulation of data collected to test Rwandan physics students' conceptual understanding of light phenomena and to assess instructional tools for active learning of optics. We collected and analysed data from 251 grade 11 (senior 5) students using our Light Phenomena Conceptual Assessment (LPCA) tool and from 136 grade 10 (senior 4) students using Geometric Optics Conceptual Understanding Test (GOCUT) in 2019. Before collecting data, we designed and validated LPCA and GOCUT, and tested their reliability. Data were collected before and after students learnt about the unit of light. Both day and boarding schools in rural and urban areas were included in our sampling. Data collected were test scores from students after performing a 30-item LPCA test or 25-item GOCUT test in 40 minutes. The data may be reused to extend students' understanding of optics concepts through item analysis, analysis of school characteristics such as location and school type, or by analysing students' characteristics such as subject combinations.

Highlights

Assessment inventories data provide insights into the classroom atmosphere and show students’ progress in grasping certain concepts, and these are essential for teachers, educationists, educational evaluators, and researchers
This article presents data from two different inventories or tests that were designed. (i) the Light Phenomena Conceptual Assessment (LPCA) and (ii) Geometric Optics Conceptual Understanding Test (GOCUT). Both these datasets are useful to researchers that will use LPCA, or GOCUT data, or to those who want to understand Rwandan physics students’ performance
The data connected to this tool are available in Underlying data[8] and were listed and analysed in a Microsoft Excel file titled ‘Pre-Post-Test LPCA Data - Senior 5 Rwandan physics students’

Summary

Introduction

Assessment inventories data provide insights into the classroom atmosphere and show students’ progress in grasping certain concepts, and these are essential for teachers, educationists, educational evaluators, and researchers. (i) the Light Phenomena Conceptual Assessment (LPCA) and (ii) Geometric Optics Conceptual Understanding Test (GOCUT). Both these datasets are useful to researchers that will use LPCA, or GOCUT data, or to those who want to understand Rwandan physics students’ performance.

Results

Conclusion