Toward an Inventory Assessing Expert Problem Solving Skills

We describe some of the challenges inherent in constructing a standardized instrument assessing problem solving skills, and suggest ways to overcome these challenges. We present items from a conceptual multiple choice instrument assessing problem solving skills relevant to freshman mechanics that we are developing. This instrument is inspired in part by Lawson's Classroom Test of Scientific Reasoning and Van Domelen's Problem Decomposition Diagnostic. We seek teachers who are interested in testing the preliminary version!