Assessing physics quantitative literacy development in algebra-based physics

Abstract: Quantitative reasoning is an essential learning objective of physics instruction. The Physics Inventory for Quantitative Literacy (PIQL) is an assessment tool that has been developed for calculus-based physics courses to help instructors evaluate whether their students learn to reason this way (White Brahmia, et al., 2019). However, the PIQL is not appropriate for the large population of students taking physics who are not enrolled in, or have not completed, calculus. To address this need, we have developed the General Equation-based Reasoning inventory of QuaNtity (GERQN). The GERQN is an algebra-based version of the PIQL and is appropriate for most physics students; the only requirement is that students have taken algebra so they are familiar with the use of variable, negative quantities, and linear functions. In this paper we present the development and validation of the GERQN, and a short discussion on how the GERQN can be used by instructors to help their students learn.