[RUME] "Blanking" on tests: any research on this phenomenon?

[Tevian Dray]

> With some students, I have been able to identify part of the cause as 
> doing homework in-tandem with an example. Namely, they find an example 
> just like a given homework problem and emulate that example 
> step-by-step. Of course, this strategy is not available on an exam, so a 
> student that relies on this technique is in trouble come test time.

I can't point to any research on "blanking" on tests, but I think you've hit
the nail on the head: The transition from template problem-solving strategies
to open-ended problems is difficult and, more importantly, not always
addressed explicitly.  This problem is very noticeable when making the
transition from lower-division mathematics to upper-division courses in any
related field.  Some physics colleagues refer to this as the "brick wall".

You may be interested in the Context Rich Problems developed by Ken and Pat
Heller and their physics education research group at the University of
Minnesota:
	http://groups.physics.umn.edu/physed/Research/CRP/crintro.html

We strive to implement these ideas in two current projects, which you may also
find of interest.  The Paradigms in Physics project redesigns part of the
physics major around themes ("spherical symmetry") rather than disciplines
("quantum mechanics"):
	http://www.physics.oregonstate.edu/paradigms
The Vector Calculus Bridge Project emphasizes geometric reasoning over
algebraic manipulation in multivariable calculus:
	http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/bridge
You may find our recent paper on (physics) students' difficulties
with Ampère's Law of particular interest:
	http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/bridge/papers/ampere.pdf
Yes, this addresses upper-division content.  However, the point is not the
specific tools being used, but rather the number of different ideas needed.

Tevian

Tevian Dray
Professor of Mathematics
Director, Vector Calculus Bridge Project

MAIL:	   Dept. of Mathematics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR  97331
PHONE:     (541) 737-5159	(Math Dept:  (541) 737-4686)
FAX:       (541) 737-0517
EMAIL:     tevian at math.oregonstate.edu
WWW:       http://www.math.oregonstate.edu/~tevian