Assessing physics quantitative literacy in algebra-based physics: lessons learned

Physics quantitative literacy (PQL)—applying familiar mathematics in novel ways in the context of physics— is ubiquitous across physics classrooms. The Physics Inventory for Quantitative Literacy, or PIQL, is a recently published reasoning inventory that can be used to assess PQL from calculus-based introductory physics through upper division courses (White Brahmia et al. 2021). There remains a need, however, for assessment of quantitative reasoning at the algebra-based level which includes not only algebra-based college courses but also pre-college physics courses. We present recent work adapting the PIQL to an algebra-based context towards developing the GERQN—the Generalized Equation-based Reasoning inventory for Quantities and Negativity. We report lessons learned from our efforts to adapt items from the calculus-based PIQL to the algebra-based GERQN, and provide examples of how items were revised to be within students proximal zone. We also report on our experience translating the GERQN into Flemish as part of a larger, on-going research project, and what we learned about language accessibility for native and non-native English speakers alike for developing assessment items, curricular materials, and when speaking with students.