Weekly formative assessment with the LASSO Platform

The LASSO project has improved the Mechanics Cognitive Diagnostic (MCD) for introductory mechanics courses. Initially measuring three skills across four content areas, the MCD now incorporates 36 targeted learning objectives to closely align with standard physics curricula for introductory mechanics courses. Using data from existing research-based assessments, we applied cognitive diagnostic models to test these learning objectives. These models confirmed a good q-matrix fit for the 13 objectives measured by the available data from existing research-based assessments. The updated MCD, covering approximately half of the 36 learning objectives, is now available on the LASSO platform. Instructors have the flexibility to select specific learning objectives and assessment timing to best suit their course requirements.