Test Information Guide
Overview and Test Objectives
Field 70: Technology/Engineering
Test Overview
| Format | Computer-based test (CBT); 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items |
|---|---|
| Time | 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial) |
| Passing Score | 240 |
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.
The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.
The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.
Sub area 1 20%, Sub area 2 16%, Sub area 3 22%, Sub area 4 22%, Sub area 5 20%.
Test Objectives
| Subareas | Range of Objectives | Approximate Test Weighting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple-Choice | |||
| 1 | Engineering Design | 01to03 | 20% |
| 2 | Materials, Tools, and Manufacturing | 04to05 | 16% |
| 3 | Technological Systems | 06to09 | 22% |
| 4 | Energy and Power Technologies | 10to13 | 22% |
| 80% | |||
| Open-Response | |||
| 5 | Integration of Knowledge and Understanding | ||
| Engineering Design | 14 | 10% | |
| Technological Systems and Energy and Power Systems | 15 | 10% | |
| 20% | |||
Subarea 1–Engineering Design
0001—Apply knowledge of connections between engineering, technology, mathematics, and natural sciences.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of mathematical principles and concepts (e.g., ratio and proportion, graphing, linear equations) to solve and represent technology and engineering problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics and data analysis to manipulate and analyze data sets related to a real-world design application.
- Apply measurement concepts (e.g., accuracy, precision, significant figures, scientific notation, unit conversion).
- Apply geometry concepts to solve problems in technology and engineering.
- Demonstrate knowledge of physical and life sciences as applied to technological problems.
- Apply knowledge of the use of computers and computer simulations in technology (e.g., collecting and analyzing data, modeling the impact of a proposed solution to a real-world problem).
0002—Apply knowledge of engineering design in developing technological solutions to problems within given specifications.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of breaking a complex real-world problem into smaller, more manageable problems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the engineering design process (e.g., generating ideas, prototype development) and its characteristics (e.g., purposeful, iterative, creative).
- Identify characteristics of specifications, requirements, criteria, constraints, and trade-offs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of procedures for ensuring quality control and meeting design criteria and constraints in a manufacturing system.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role and importance of models (including computer models) and prototypes in the development and optimization of design solutions.
- Apply knowledge of orthographic and isometric drawings and the use of appropriate scales and proportions.
- Apply knowledge of how to present solutions that include specifications, performance results, successes, and remaining issues and limitations.
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to the engineering design of technological solutions.
0003—Apply knowledge of technology and engineering in social contexts.
For example:
- Analyze real-world problems to determine necessary qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints as they apply to today's society.
- Apply knowledge of how design principles can be applied to solve a variety of global and societal problems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of positive and negative effects of technology and engineering (e.g., nuclear energy; pesticides; fossil fuels; use of transportation, communication, construction, and medical technologies).
- Evaluate solutions to a complex real-world problem in today's society using a variety of criteria, including unintended consequences and trade-offs (e.g., cost, safety, reliability, maintenance, cultural and environmental impacts).
- Describe methods of evaluating competing solutions to a problem (e.g., types of testing, data analysis, computer simulations, focus groups).
- Apply knowledge of how societal requirements (e.g., risk mitigation, aesthetics, ethical considerations) influence the design process.
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to the social context of engineering designs.
Subarea 2–Materials, Tools, and Manufacturing
0004—Apply knowledge of the selection and safe use of appropriate materials, tools, equipment, and machines in technology and engineering.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of guidelines related to the safe use of tools (e.g., hand tools, power tools) and machines (e.g., drill press, band saw).
- Demonstrate knowledge of instructional approaches, including content and delivery, for teaching students the attitudes and behaviors associated with safety in the technology and engineering laboratory and workplace.
- Apply skills needed to select and use appropriate measuring tools (e.g., rigid rule, micrometer, caliper, square) for solving real-world design problems.
- Apply skills needed to select and use appropriate hand and power tools for a given process (e.g., shaping, cutting, boring, gripping, joining, fastening).
- Apply knowledge of characteristics and uses of a variety of computer-based manufacturing tools (e.g., 3-D printer, laser cutter, CNC machine).
- Demonstrate knowledge of resources and practices for maintaining a safe learning environment for students (e.g., emergency procedures, safety data sheets for materials).
0005—Apply knowledge of manufacturing processes used to create products that meet stated requirements.
For example:
- Identify characteristics of processes (e.g., mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrochemical) used to extract raw materials and to prepare these materials for manufacturing.
- Apply knowledge of physical and chemical properties of materials (e.g., wood, plastic, metal, ceramics) used to manufacture products.
- Apply knowledge of forming processes (e.g., molding, casting, shaping, rolling, forging, stamping) for various applications.
- Apply knowledge of machining and milling processes for various applications.
- Select the most appropriate manufacturing process to create parts that meet stated requirements (e.g., related to shape, size, or finish).
- Compare and contrast custom and mass-production manufacturing systems and their uses.
- Apply knowledge of the role of automation and robotics in manufacturing to a real-world design application.
- Apply knowledge of stages of the manufacturing process (e.g., design, testing, production, quality control).
- Explain how computers and robots can be used at different stages of a manufacturing system.
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to manufacturing processes.
Subarea 3–Technological Systems
0006—Apply knowledge of processes used to communicate data and information.
For example:
- Analyze communication systems and their components (e.g., source, encoder, transmitter, receiver, decoder, storage, retrieval, destination).
- Analyze communication systems in terms of goals, inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback.
- Apply knowledge of characteristics of digital signals (e.g., binary, discrete) and analog signals (e.g., continuous, frequency, amplitude) to communication systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how information travels through different media (e.g., electrical wire, optical fiber, air, space).
- Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of various communication systems (e.g., radio, television, print, Internet).
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to communication technology.
0007—Apply knowledge of design factors, material selection, and constraints in building structures.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the functions of components that make up engineered buildings (e.g., foundation, flooring, decking, walls, roofing systems).
- Demonstrate knowledge of types of bridges (e.g., arch, beam, suspension, truss) and factors affecting their appropriate uses (e.g., site, span, resources, loads).
- Demonstrate knowledge of the considerations and constraints affecting selection of materials in construction technology (e.g., elasticity, thermal conductivity, density, cost, associated hazards).
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to design factors, material selection, and constraints in building structures.
0008—Analyze the effects of forces in construction technology.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of the vector nature of forces to find force components and resultants.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how forces affect various construction materials (e.g., wood, steel, concrete).
- Analyze how the forces of tension, compression, torsion, and shear affect the performance of structures.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how various loads (e.g., live, dead, combined, wind, snow) affect the design of structures.
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to construction technology.
0009—Apply knowledge of the principles and characteristics of transportation technology.
For example:
- Identify types of transportation systems (e.g., land, water, air, space, intermodal) and their characteristics (e.g., cost, size, limitations).
- Identify types and characteristics of power sources used in transportation systems (e.g., gasoline, diesel, solar, wind, electrical).
- Analyze the effects of lift, drag, friction, thrust, and weight on transportation vehicles and systems.
- Demonstrate knowledge of subsystems of transportation systems (e.g., structural, propulsion, guidance, suspension, control, support) and their functions.
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to transportation technology.
Subarea 4–Energy and Power Technologies
0010—Apply knowledge of fluid systems and their role in technological systems.
For example:
- Identify types of fluid systems (e.g., open, closed, hydraulic, pneumatic) and their characteristics and uses.
- Identify characteristics of open and closed systems (e.g., humidity control systems, heating systems, cooling systems) and their uses.
- Identify the components of fluid systems (e.g., fluid, valves, metering devices, controlling devices, pumps).
- Demonstrate knowledge of principles of fluid mechanics (e.g., Pascal's, Archimedes's, Bernoulli's) in technology and engineering applications (e.g., force amplification, airfoil design, building design).
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to fluid systems.
0011—Apply knowledge of thermal systems and their role in technological systems.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of the conservation of energy.
- Describe processes by which heat is transferred (i.e., radiation, convection, and conduction) and the role of these processes in technological systems.
- Apply knowledge of feedback loops in thermal systems (e.g., thermostats, temperature sensors, heat pumps) and their role in thermal systems.
- Solve problems associated with the heating and cooling of spaces, including conservation of energy, efficiency, and insulation R-value.
- Analyze alternatives to nonrenewable thermal energy sources (e.g., biofuels, geothermal, solar thermal) in real-world applications.
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to thermal systems.
0012—Apply knowledge of electrical principles and components and their roles in technological systems.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the nature of electricity and electromagnetic forces.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the role of AC and DC current in technological systems.
- Identify types, functions, and schematic representations of components of electrical systems (e.g., source, conductor, load, resistor, switch).
- Demonstrate knowledge of how to measure and calculate voltage, resistance, current, and power in electric circuits (i.e., Ohm's law).
- Compare properties of series and parallel circuits.
- Demonstrate knowledge of alternative technologies for producing electrical energy (e.g., fuel cells, wind turbines, solar photovoltaic cells, hydropower).
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to electrical systems.
0013—Apply knowledge of basic principles of energy, work, and power and their relationship to mechanical systems.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the concepts of energy, work, power, and efficiency and their interrelationships.
- Solve problems involving force, mechanical advantage for simple machines (e.g., gear ratios, hydraulic systems, levers), and tools (e.g., pliers, screws).
- Demonstrate knowledge of devices and processes used to facilitate a task in mechanical systems (e.g., gears, pulleys, transmissions, differentials).
- Apply science and engineering practices in exploring and understanding content and design solutions related to mechanical systems.
Subarea 5–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
0014—Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to instruction in engineering design and manufacturing using materials and tools.
For example:
- Given a real-world problem, describe an instructional approach for guiding students in designing a prototype solution in the technology and engineering classroom.
- Identify a specific science and engineering practice and describe how it could be used to help students design solutions to this problem.
- Describe and discuss materials, tools, and processes, including safety considerations, that students could use to build a working prototype.
- Define a process that students could use to test and evaluate the prototype.
0015—Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to instruction about a given technological system or an energy and power technology.
For example:
- Analyze a given technological system in terms of its components.
- Describe characteristics of the components related to this system and their function in the system.
- Discuss the processes used to convert input to output and describe how the system uses power and/or energy.
- Identify a specific science and engineering practice and describe how it could be used to help students make sense of the system and how it functions.