A Research‐Based Approach to Assessing Student Learning Issues in Upper‐Division Electricity & Magnetism

As part of our efforts to systematically improve our junior‐level Electricity & Magnetism I (Electro‐ and Magneto‐Statics) course, we have developed a conceptual instrument, the CUE (Colorado Upper‐division Electrostatics) diagnostic. Two central goals of this tool are: to assess impacts of transformed curricula, and to systematically identify and document student learning difficulties. We find persistent issues involving students’ ability to conceptually approach and visualize E&M, to accurately communicate that understanding, and to appropriately identify and apply upper‐level problem‐solving strategies. Our work underlines the need for further research on the nature of student learning—and appropriate instructional interventions ‐at the upper division.