Using the Rasch Model to Measure the Extent to which Students Work Conceptually with Mathematics

Differences between working conceptually and procedurally with mathematics are well documented. In short, working procedurally can be characterized as learning and applying rules without reason. Working conceptually, in contrast, means creating and applying a web of knowledge. To continue this line of research, an instrument that is able to measure the level of conceptual work, and that is based on the basic requirements of measurement, is desireable. As such, this paper presents a Rasch calibrated instrument that measures the extent to which students work conceptually with mathematics. From a sample of 133 student teachers and 185 Civil Engineering students, 20 items are concluded as being productive for measurement.