Digital technologies have the potential to revolutionize education by enhancing quality, fairness, and efficiency. However, equitable access to these technologies remains a challenge. ILSAs (international large-scale assessments) have shown that the relationship between digital use and performance varies across countries and over time. To fully…

Reported is a study of the relationships between the component skills involved in practical work assessment. Skills assessed included observing, manipulating, planning, interpreting, reporting, and self-reliance. The literature relating to inter-skill relationships is reviewed. (CW)

Proposes methods by which laboratory practical exams may be structured to assess outcomes from laboratory instruction. Presents eight general considerations for writing and using practical exams. Describes four example laboratory exams involving a box camera, circuit boxes, floating objects, and light. (MDH)

Describes the selection and implementation of an authentic assessment model for evaluating students' science laboratory knowledge and skills. Provides sample problems and a scoring form for the performance-based science laboratory test. (MDH)

Describes the rationale, benefits, drawbacks, logistics, and student opinions regarding the idea of giving a two-minute quiz every lecture as a teaching reform that makes incremental changes, within the framework of the traditional lecture, in the direction of active learning. (JRH)

This 21-chapter methods textbook provides essential information, practical applications, and resource materials for prospective, beginning, and experienced science teachers, professional science educators, science coordinators, and science supervisors. Major topic areas addressed in the chapters include: the scientific enterprise and science…

Presents a method for assessing three major objectives in the teaching of vocational and technical courses: material assimilation, application to real practical problems, and resourcefulness of the student. Provides examples of questions developed and compares them with questions normally used. (YP)

This was an experiment to test the extended discretion laboratory approach versus a guided-inquiry approach for teaching biology in a university setting. Among three criterion variables (examination, reports, and quizzes), only the laboratory report scores showed differences between groups and group-by-instructor interaction. (Author/YP)

Presented are common words and phrases which are encountered in the statistical analysis of test results. Included are analysis of the mid-point, distribution of scores, calculation of scaled scores, test reliability, item analysis, and coefficients of reliability. (CS)

Describes a performance assessment protocol that rates six goals: (1) methodology of research, (2) use of equipment, (3) accuracy in measurement, (4) application of concepts and formulas, (5) use of mathematics, and (6) completeness and clarity. Provides an example performance task evaluation sheet. (MVL)

The Six Flags Over Georgia amusement park is the setting for a one-day laboratory exercise and evaluation of high school students' understanding of physics. The concepts and general techniques measured and the park's resources are discussed. Sample student responses are included. (JN)

Briefly reviews different methods to evaluate student laboratory work and describes the procedures followed in using laboratory performance tests at Mercer University. Cites five sample performance-test tasks and materials needed. (SK)

Describes different evaluation techniques of student performance in the science laboratory. Evaluation techniques discussed include written reports, test items, practical tests, and observational assessment to evaluate both student performance and to promote development of specific skills. (DS)

Tests and combinations of tests for evaluating science programs that are designed to incorporate content, process skills, and problem-solving skills are discussed. Described are the use of written and practical tests, observation and discussion, and projects and written work. (CW)