In the United States, but not only here, the movement to evaluate teachers based on student test scores has received powerful political and parental support. The logic is simple. From one testing occasion to another students should show growth in their knowledge and skill. Similar types of students should show similar patterns of growth. Those…

Black, Wilson, and Yao (this issue) commendably attempt to put descriptive theory at the center of pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum. The thrust of their article is that only through theories of learning will student progression be properly understood. Casting a critical eye over the faddish distinction between "formative" and "summative"…

In England there is a national survey of all students just before they graduate from bachelor's programmes called the National Student Survey (NSS). This produces a very influential ranking of all universities and colleges in England in terms of how the education they provide is perceived by their students. Top of this ranking every year is the…

This author became intrigued by the idea that her generation, who had grown up reaping the benefits of second-wave feminism, might differ from previous generations in their attitudes toward women. What was unclear was how this period of progress might have combined with feminist backlash in affecting subsequent generations' responses to typical…

Many topics have been discussed over the lifespan of CEDA (Cross Examination Debate Association) debate, but the topic of judge adaptation (debaters adapting to each judge) is consistently ignored. Lay judges normally do not comprehend the debate process. To many debaters, lay judges are the most difficult to adapt to. The biggest problem with…

This paper presents a strategy for the criticism of curricula-in-use, that is, for the criticism of program blueprints and materials as they meet the educational lives of the people for whom they were designed. One aim of the curriculum critic should be to enable the reader to view the curriculum from the perspective of the students. Empathic…

Proposes use of prepublication student evaluations of textbooks. Feedback from students helps to improve comprehensibility and interest and is most useful when done on a chapter-by-chapter basis using a systematic evaluation procedure. (Author/KC)

Describes how the English Department at Loyola University of Chicago, adopted assessment measures beneficial to the department's program and acceptable to administrators, faculty, and students. (TB)

Examines the effects of a year-long program for using poetry daily in a second-grade classroom. Finds minor evidence of growth in students' concepts and attitudes about poetry (based on an objective survey instrument) but positive and lasting effects on children's attitudes (based on classroom observation of behavior). (RS)

Skillfully interviewing students can elicit useful information about the quality of the educational program. (JM)

Evaluation anxiety can have a significant impact on adult learning, and it is a generally inescapable part of teaching-learning transactions. Too much evaluation anxiety can be devastating. This paper examines the effects of evaluation anxiety on adult learning, discussing the causes, the control measures, and the implications for adult educators.…

Student involvement in the area of curriculum criticism would provide a more comprehensive view of curricular and educational needs. Curriculum criticism is premised on an analogy between the curriculum (as a set of materials offering experience to its recipients) and the work of art in any medium. The curriculum critic attempts to portray the…

Interviews with students about how their learning is assessed revealed they feel (1) the most important learning goes beyond information to deeper understanding, (2) the information faculty has about that kind of learning is limited, and (3) their accomplishment is reflected best in essays, class discussions, and small group encounters. (MSE)

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Describes some of the most commonly used assessment techniques, their advantages, and typical ways such information is reported. (Author/KHR)