Measuring knowledge growth for individual bachelor students at science courses of University of Latvia

The purpose of this study is to measure the development of students' conceptual understanding of basic physics concepts at introductory physics courses at the University of Latvia. The authors of the research have translated, tested and verified the Force Concept Inventory and other Concept Inventories in the context of Latvian education system. The results demonstrated a low improvement of physics understanding using present lecturing approach, which suggests the need for an active learning environment and student-centred learning approach in physics courses at University of Latvia. Due to the very small number of physics graduates from physics faculties in Latvia and especially small number of physics teachers, it becomes increasingly important that these students acquire good conceptual understanding of physics.