The article describes the process of incorporating a set of learning outcomes into a geotechnical engineering course. The outcomes were developed using Bloom's taxonomy and define the knowledge, skills, and abilities the students are expected to achieve upon completion of the course. Each outcome begins with an action-oriented verb corresponding…

Discussion of formative evaluation focuses on the history of its use by behavioral psychologists, and refutes the notion that it is a new idea. Names that have been used for the evaluation process are reviewed, and examples of formative evaluation in a variety of settings are given. (11 references) (LRW)

Examines the incorporation of formative evaluation into the early stages of educational television (ETV) program development, and describes Self-Formative Evaluation, a system conducted by the developers of ETV programs and in-house evaluators. Evaluation criteria for early formative evaluation of ETV are also presented. (20 references)…

Describes a method for videodisc courseware development utilized by the University of Notre Dame Interactive Videodisc Laboratory staff, which includes production of a storyboard as the final component of the design phase. The three steps of group storyboarding, formative evaluation, and generation of production documents are discussed in detail.…

Discusses issues concerning the formative evaluation process in instructional design models. Distinctions between formative and summative evaluation are described; expert evaluation and student evaluation techniques are explained; the status of formative evaluation is examined; and connoisseurship as evaluation is considered, including the…

Addresses the four questions raised by Yelon about use of pretests with instruction--should I pretest; on what should I pretest; how should I pretest; how should I adjust to results--and answers them from the perspective of instructional designers conducting formative evaluations to improve quality of instruction under development. (MBR)

A workable solution to the problem of how to test out an interactive video program before paying for videotape production and editing involves creating a videotape template of the computer program's flowchart to reproduce the actual interactive experience and thus check for program accuracy. (MBR)

Discusses linear, or systematic, instructional design and development, including a 15-step model. Topics include needs assessment; formative evaluation; performance objectives; instructional materials development; pilot testing; design alternatives that challenge linear instructional design, including constructivism, anchored instruction, and…

Based on the "Courseware Evaluation Project," supported by the Israeli Ministry of Education and Culture, this article addresses basic issues regarding formative evaluation practices in the context of computerized instruction. Topics discussed included the rationale for evaluation, elements to evaluate, dimensions for assessing quality, and…

Two studies at North Carolina State University illustrate ongoing efforts to assess the impact of extension programs. Also considered are two ways in which findings can be useful to program administrators. (CT)

This report on the French Teaching Modules Project is divided into four parts. Part one describes current theoretical concerns in second language curriculum and outlines a scheme for second language curriculum development. Part two explains the history of the project and the underlying principles of modules. Part three describes case studies which…

Describes "Placemark," an online tool for creating and managing Web pages within a school or district Web site. Topics include interviews with teachers to determine their needs, which centered around creating instructional materials and activities; online newsletters for parents; feedback to test the interface; formative evaluation; and…

The final report reviews the first year of a project to adapt, for severely handicapped individuals, physical and leisure education materials developed by the I CAN Project for trainable retarded student populations; and to develop a training program in use of the materials for teacher consultants and teachers of the severely handicapped.…

This report describes the conceptualization, development, and evaluation of a handbook (CE 016 432) for project directors responsible for implementing career education products. Divided into five chapters, this document contains a chronological review of development activities, including the use of the prototype version in schools. Chapter 1…

Steps used in the formative evaluation of a project designed to incorporate self-instructional materials in an introductory zoology course included techniques which: (1) involved colleagues in the material development; (2) assessed relevant student characteristics, expectations, and evaluations; and (3) were used in the examinations. (MBR)