Using assessment to drive the development of algebraic reasoning activities

Algebra-based reasoning underpins both calculus and algebra-based physics courses. Being able to assess whether students are developing these quantitative reasoning skills is important for instructors that consider it a learning outcome of taking a physics class. The Physics Inventory for Quantitative Literacy (PIQL) is an instrument designed for calculus-based physics courses, and is in use at multiple institutions across the U.S. Quantitative reasoning, hHowever, quantitative reasoning is no less important in algebra-based physics courses. In this talk, I will share an instrument (the GERQN) that has been newly validated for any physics students who have completed algebra I. I will also share how the inventory is being used at Cornell to design curricular interventions that help students develop flexible algebraic reasoning skills in physics contexts.