This article provides a critical review of the quality of 12 recent large federal program evaluations. The review focused on elements of the evaluation design, inclusion of evaluation expertise among those who have oversight of the evaluation, and evaluation dissemination. Overall, the process analyses from these evaluations provide good models…

Although assessment is acknowledged as vitally important in its effect on students' approaches to learning, there is much criticism of assessment practice. This paper argues that if a social constructivist approach is applied to the assessment process many of the problems could be overcome. It describes what a social constructivist approach to…

Now that educational reform has targeted principal performance as a key to school excellence, methods and procedures for evaluating these administrators have become an increasing concern. Current studies suggest that evaluation practices used in many districts are ill-suited to improving principals' performance and professional competence. Many…

The evaluation of educational programs in higher education needs a better theoretical base than it has had. Proposals as to what that base should encompass are discussed and an approach that involves a more adequate conceptual and procedural model is explored. Focus is on a systems viewpoint. (JMD)

Tracking as a technique for training and evaluating speechreaders' reception of connected discourse is redefined, and some of its modifications are presented. Also noted are issues in the use of tracking, such as verbatim response, talker learning, and material selection, and recommendations for preparing speechreaders for the tracking task. (JDD)

Behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) are no better or worse than other methods when assessed on a quantitative basis but have greater potential when assessed on use and qualitative criteria. Suggestions are offered for extending BARS research to process questions and domains other than performance appraisal. (Author)

Strengths and weaknesses of prevailing evaluation models are analyzed, with attention to the role of feedback in each paradigm. A framework is then presented for analyzing issues faced by evaluators of interactive instructional technologies. The current practice of evaluation relies heavily on 3 models developed over 20 years ago: (1) the…

Discussion of the problem of control in documentary information retrieval (IR) systems focuses on feedback mechanisms. Information needs are discussed, particularly the Problem Oriented Information Need (POIN); the structure of an adaptive IR system is described; and the design of algorithms for automated IR systems is explained. (33 references)…

Discusses the application of learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning settings. Highlights include teaching and learning theories; materials development; distance learners; learning and instructional strategies; and a conceptual framework for applying learning and instructional strategies in open and distance learning…

This paper considers alternative assessment, feedback and cybernetics. For more than 30 years, debates about the bi-polarity of formative and summative assessment have served as surrogates for discussions about the workings of the mind, the social implications of assessment and, as important, the role of instruction in the advancement of learning.…

This paper reviews the research evidence concerning the use of formal instruments to measure students' evaluations of their teachers, students' satisfaction with their programmes and students' perceptions of the quality of their programmes. These questionnaires can provide important evidence for assessing the quality of teaching, for supporting…

Reviews 35 empirical studies and reviews that evaluated various aspects of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in higher education through analyzing the differential learning outcomes of groups of students. Captioned video segments, type of feedback, student attitudes and student achievement, and recommendations for the future are…

Briefly reviews the use of video technology in teacher training and describes its use in the current program for preservice physical education teachers in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation Department at Utah State University (USU). A copy of the USU Physical Education Teacher Evaluation form is provided. (13 references) (DB)

Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is described as an assessment system that can facilitate individualized instruction and accommodate student diversity. Topics addressed include: features of CBM, its use in special education, research that extends CBM to mainstream settings, and the combination of CBM and peer-mediated instruction. (SW)

This article describes a project designed to ensure that class participation in a large introductory commercial law course is assessed fairly and reliably. The subjectivity often associated with this type of assessment is minimized by involving students in the specification of clear criteria and the assessment process as they were asked to assess…