ModeQuiz: A STUDENT-INTERACTIVE PROGRAM FOR LEARNING MODE ESTIMATION

Mode (volume percent) estimation is a valuable skill in geology, providing one of the most efficient means of describing rock mineralogy and chemistry. It can also be useful in field geology, allowing the geologist to determine the proportions of rock types or other features exposed in an area. However, current methods of teaching mode estimation often suffer from mediocre mode estimation skill of the instructor. Instructors with poor skills cannot provide the correct answers to mode questions and cannot create valid assessments of student mode estimation skills to provide feedback during the learning process.

Two computer programs may help address this problem. ModeMaker is a tool for the instructor to create images with up to five phases, each with a known mode. Each phase can have a number of additional specified properties, such as shape, size, and orientation. The instructor can thus provide valid assessments for student mode estimation.

ModeQuiz is an interactive training tool for the student. It creates images of the sort ModeMaker creates, but with randomized properties (within specified limits). The student makes mode estimations on the computer and the program immediately reveals the correct modes and scores the student’s estimates. By repeating this process, the student may improve his or her mode estimation skills over time. Controlled assessments of ModeQuiz show that the practice time required to produce student learning is larger than 30 minutes; practice time less than this does enhance performance in the ModeQuiz environment.

The programs can be obtained from http://davehirsch.com.