Diamech

Diamech

DiaMech: Diagnosis of Understanding of Mechanics

Overview of DiaMech

DiaMech, which stands for Diagnosis of Understanding of Mechanics, has been specifically developed to assess students’ comprehension of fundamental concepts in Elementary Mechanics, focusing on point masses and translational motion. In addition to evaluating conceptual understanding, DiaMech measures mastery of related skills. Importantly, the method is adaptable and can be extended to design similar assessments for other areas of Physics.

Assessment Approach

Unlike traditional tests that emphasize recalling laws and definitions or solving problems, DiaMech does not assess knowledge reproduction or problem-solving abilities. Instead, it aims to probe students’ genuine understanding of core principles and their application.

Testing Format

DiaMech employs Multiple True False (MTF) questions. To deepen the evaluation, students are required to provide a “Because” statement in their own words, justifying their choice of True or False. Following each response, a “Content Feedback” is provided to reinforce correct answers or to correct misunderstandings, thereby integrating a teaching element into the assessment process.

Structure of DiaMech

The instrument is organized into an introductory chapter and four subsequent chapters. These chapters contain test units covering the following topics:

  • Mathematics
  • Kinematics
  • Inertial Coordinate Systems
  • Newton’s Laws
  • The Concept of System
  • Conservation of Linear Momentum
  • Conservation of Mechanical Energy

Origin of DiaMech

DiaMech was created by Dr. M.G.M Ferguson-Hessler, formerly of TUE (retired). You can reach Monica Ferguson for questions or feedback at m.ferguson@antenna.nl.

The full Diamech document can be downloaded via the link below. 

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    Author
    Ton de Jong
    Last modified
    2025-09-23 17:41:26
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    Additional information about this learning material

    The following additional information is available about this learning material:

    Description
    DiaMech, the short name for Diagnosis of Understanding of Mechanics, has been developed to test students’ understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of elementary Mechanics (point masses and translational motion) and the mastery of the relevant skills. The method can be used in all fields of Physics . This instrument does not test the reproduction of knowledge of laws and definitions, nor skills in problem solving. DiaMech consists of this introductory section, and of four sections containing the test units,
    Education level
    WO - Bachelor; WO - Master;
    Learning content and objectives
    Natuurkunde;
    End user
    leraar
    Difficulty
    moeilijk
    Keywords
    diagnostic test, mechanics, physics

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