A Physics of Semiconductors Concept Inventory

Following the trend in science and engineering education generated by the visible impact that the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) has created, a Physics of Semiconductors Concept Inventory (PSCI) has been developed. Whereas most classroom tests measure \textit{how many} facts students can remember, or if they \textit{can manipulate} equations, PSCI measures \textit{how well} students interpret concepts and \textit{how well} they can infer new knowledge from already learned knowledge. Operationalized in accordance with the revised Bloom's taxonomy, the multiple--choice items of the PSCI address the ``understand'', ``apply'', ``analyze'' and ``evaluate'' levels of cognition. Once standardized, PSCI may be used as a predictor for students' academic performance in the field of semiconductors and as an assessment instrument for instructional strategies.