Verifying the learning process in physics

This paper describes an automated evaluation system for the learning of gen eral physics. The system whose name is Test on Line (ToL) is based on a que stion bank from which an appropriate software generates individual multi-is sue questionnaires to be submitted through the Web. ToL has been extensivel y tested over three years and is presently in use for basic physics courses at the Engineering Faculties of the Turin Politecnico. The results of the experimentation and use are presented and discussed. Accumulating data allo ws for an optimization of the internal partitions of the question bank and of the selection criteria for generating of the questionnaires. The instrum ent proved to be useful and reliable and could become the core of an agreed common standard for physics education at university level.