EcoEvo-MAPS: An Ecology and Evolution Assessment for Introductory through Advanced Undergraduates

Authors

Mindi M. Summers, University of CalgaryFollow
Brian A. Couch, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Jennifer K. Knight, University of Colorado BoulderFollow
Sara E. Brownell, Arizona State UniversityFollow
Alison J. Crowe, University of Washington
Katharine Semsar, University of Colorado Boulder
Christian D. Wright, Arizona State University
Michelle K. Smith, University of Maine

Document Type

Article

Date of this Version

2018

Citation

CBE Life Sci Educ June 1, 2018 17:ar18

Comments

© 2018 M. M. Summers et al.

Open access

DOI:10.1187/cbe.17-02-0037

Abstract

A new assessment tool, Ecology and Evolution–Measuring Achievement and Progression in Science or EcoEvo-MAPS, measures student thinking in ecology and evolution during an undergraduate course of study. EcoEvo-MAPS targets foundational concepts in ecology and evolution and uses a novel approach that asks students to evaluate a series of predictions, conclusions, or interpretations as likely or unlikely to be true given a specific scenario. We collected evidence of validity and reliability for EcoEvo-MAPS through an iterative process of faculty review, student interviews, and analyses of assessment data from more than 3000 students at 34 associate’s-, bachelor’s-, master’s-, and doctoral-granting institutions. The 63 likely/unlikely statements range in difficulty and target student understanding of key concepts aligned with the Vision and Change report. This assessment provides departments with a tool to measure student thinking at different time points in the curriculum and provides data that can be used to inform curricular and instructional modifications.