Perception vs. Reality: Assessing Student Understanding of Physics Through System Diagnostics and Self-Reported Confidence

I compared system diagnostics of student understanding and performance on reading/pre-lecture assignments using the McGraw Hill Connect system throughout the semester to student comments on their understanding of those assignments in an introductory two semester physics course. I find that students don't always have an accurate perception of their understanding of physics concepts, based on how difficult they find the assignments to be.