PROCEEDINGS OF THE 16TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (Vol 2)
2013
Denver, Colorado
Development and Analysis of a Basic Proof Skills Test
Page: 2-585
We have developed a short (16 question) basic skills test for use in our institution's transition-to-proof course that assesses basic skills required to succeed in such a course. Using this test in our core introductory proof course, we have found that students are generally deficient in a number of skills assumed by instructors. In addition, using this test as a pre/post-test we have found that in this course students are learning some concepts well, but that learning gains on other concepts are much below desired levels. Finally, administration of the test to students in a higher level course has allowed us to assess retention of these skills. At this preliminary stage these skills appear to be retained into higher-level proof courses, but more data collection is needed, as well as a more extensive instrument to assess proof skills, rather than simply basic logic and comprehension.