Analysis of an online placement exam for calculus

Abstract

An online mathematics placement exam was administered to new freshmen enrolled at Kansas State University for the Fall of 2009. The purpose of this exam is to help determine which students are prepared for a college Calculus I or Calculus II course. Problems on the exam were analyzed and grouped together using different techniques including expert analysis and item response theory to determine which problems were similar or even relevant to placement. Student scores on the exam were compared to their performance on the final exam at the end of the course as well as ACT data. This showed how well the placement exam indicated which students were prepared. A model was created using ACT information and the new information from the placement exam that improved prediction of success in a college calculus course. The new model offers a significant improvement upon what the ACT data provides to advisers. Suggestions for improvements to the test and methodology are made based upon the analysis.