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.