The Use of Collegewide Common Exams in Calculus-Based Physics Classes at Montgomery College.

The Montgomery College (MC) Physics program has used common mid-semester and final exams across three campuses and multiple instructors for more than ten years. These common exams and the associated single grader for each problem provide a uniform assessment that offers multiple advantages to the students, the faculty, and the administration. Our common exams ensure that the grades are equitably assigned regardless of the instructor or campus. They also identify teachers whose instruction methods are more effective than others, so that best practices can be shared. And they provide data so that administrators are assured that all students are receiving the same education. These benefits are not achieved easily, as communication, negotiation, and compromise among the faculty are a constant need.



We will discuss the process that we use to develop and grade the exams. And will expand on some of the advantages and challenges of having common exams across three campuses and with an ever-changing roster of instructors.