Dataset for measuring the conceptual understanding of optics in Rwanda

Abstract

This dataset is an accumulation of data collected to test Rwandan physics students’ conceptual understanding of light phenomena and to assess instructional tools for active learning of optics. We collected and analysed data from 251 grade 11 (senior 5) students using our Light Phenomena Conceptual Assessment (LPCA) tool and from 136 grade 10 (senior 4) students using Geometric Optics Conceptual Understanding Test (GOCUT) in 2019. Before collecting data, we designed and validated LPCA and GOCUT, and tested their reliability. Data were collected before and after students learnt about the unit of light. Both day and boarding schools in rural and urban areas were included in our sampling. Data collected were test scores from students after performing a 30-item LPCA test or 25-item GOCUT test in 40 minutes. The data may be reused to extend students' understanding of optics concepts through item analysis, analysis of school characteristics such as location and school type, or by analysing students' characteristics such as subject combinations.

Data collected to measure the impact of problem-based learning and document physics classroom practices among Ugandan secondary schools

“…The data is provided this way because it is in some way useful to know which wrong answers a student provided. The analysis of MWCS data may be done by counting the total score that each student got and measuring students' performance or achievement; while counting the number of students who answered each item correctly, a conceptual understanding and alternative conceptions are revealed [11] .…”