Diagnostic assessment is currently an active research area in educational measurement. Literature related to diagnostic modeling has been in existence for several decades, but a great deal of research has been conducted within the last decade or so, especially within the last five years. The author summarizes the key components in the application…

This annotated bibliography features some of the current holdings of the Test Center at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory (Oregon) lending library on the topic of alternative assessment. There are two sections to the bibliography: a listing of the articles in alphabetical order by primary author, and an index. A set of descriptors was…

The use of improvement scores to measure gain or growth in physical education presents serious problems, particularly in terms of units of measurement for the improvement scores. An exponential method is presented which converts increases of different sizes and from different starting points into comparable terms. (JMF)

One of a series offering practical advice and information on distance teaching, this broadsheet first looks at the reasons for trying to measure distance teaching costs and the methodological and economic difficulties involved in such measurements. Broadcasting and print costs in distance teaching are discussed, and evidence about the costs of…

The problem of selecting appropriate indicators for the evaluation of higher education programs is discussed. A set of indicators and a model for assessing institutional advancement programs are presented as a framework for the institutional manager. (Author/SF)

Describes the infrared analysis of geological specimens which can form the basis of a laboratory exercise, allowing some minerals to be identified by "fingerprint" technique. Students can gain insight into the concept of symmetry and environment around an atom. (Author/SA)

This ERIC Digest suggests that traditional assessment techniques must be complemented by new methods that can reinvigorate and improve the teaching and study of history in the schools. Teachers and researchers agree that recall of discrete information and traditional forms of assessment emphasize low-level cognition without challenging students to…

A 1980 study of special education teachers' reports on the availability and usefulness of several types of assessment information for emotionally disturbed/behaviorally disordered students was replicated and results compared. Overall progress was found, with notable increases in availability for types that teachers consider educationally relevant,…

Reports on a classroom project in which college-level psychology students developed a institutionwide course ratings questionnaire. Describes the data gathering, item development, and pilot testing phases of the project. Concludes that the students learned about tests and measurements by doing the project and that the institution benefited from…

Presents two ideas to help beginning mathematics teachers. The first presents a way to record and grade homework. The second suggests a manipulative to help students understand the trigonometric concept of reference angle. (MDH)

Describes a study in which two types of testing were used in an engineering course to determine significant differences in evaluating student performance. Results were not conclusive. (RT)

Explains a set of processes that teachers might use to structure their evaluation of students' learning and understanding. Illustrates the processes of setting goals, deciding what to assess, gathering information, and using the results through a measurement task requiring students to estimate the number of popcorn kernels in a container. (MDH)

Examples of an open-ended task, of the appropriate performance indicators for that task, and of the formal assessment table are each presented for both grades 7-8 and grades 9-10. The need for cooperative teacher input when drawing up lists of performance indicators to minimize postmarking moderation is discussed. (JJK)

This profile is designed as a recording sheet for monitoring an individual student's progress throughout the school year. Kindergarten assessment materials and the "Strategies for Instruction in Mathematics" suggests tasks and questions that can be used for on-going and summative assessment. Directions for use and descriptions of levels of…

Described is a method of evaluating student chemistry laboratory reports using electronic reporting from locally developed macros. Examples of the input template, the grade report template, and input and grading programs are given. Results of a survey of students and teachers evaluating the program are reported. (MDH)