Using linguistic references to characterize class integration

Abstract

A technique using linguistic references in the communication of a physics class to characterize class integration is introduced. Measurement of a traditional physics class shows only marginal integration. Measurement of a modified physics class shows that integration can be dramatically improved. A measurement of a best-selling textbook shows very good integration of the section text, but poor integration of discretionary blocks, such as examples, problems, tables and illustrations. Various graphical techniques are presented to visualize the reference data.