A New Assessment Model, Modified for Use in Dynamics

This study builds on the development and implementation of a new assessment model called SMART. SMART was originally developed and studied in a Mechanics of Materials course at Michigan State University. The SMART method’s new approach has been demonstrated to have very positive effects on learning in Mechanics of Materials, including an increase in final exam mean scores of approximately 30 points (out of 100) compared to a more traditional assessment model. These results were measured by a common final exam. The second course to adopt the SMART assessment model is Introduction to Dynamics. This paper outlines the modifications to the assessment model and the course structure as well as student outcomes in this course. On a common, representative final exam problem, 68.5% of students in the SMART Assessment model met a rigorous level of minimum competency, while only 27.1% of students in the traditional model met minimum competency. The goal of this paper is to discuss modifications to the SMART approach necessary to adopt the method in Introduction to Dynamics and provide initial evidence that the SMART approach improves student outcomes.