Seventy-eight families with child diagnosed as oppositional-defiant or conduct-disordered were randomly assigned to basic videotape parent skills training program (GDVM) with or without broader-based, videotape treatment component (ADVANCE). Both groups significantly improved at short-term follow-up. ADVANCE produced additional significant…

Describes the practice of federal evaluation of research impact through three approaches: retrospective methods; qualitative methods, including peer review; and quantitative methods. Recommended areas for study in federal research impact assessment are suggested, including predictive reliability, comparative studies, time and cost estimates,…

The costs and performance of contract management of municipal wastewater treatment facilities are considered, using information from a nationwide empirical examination of evidence from individual plants, municipalities, and regulatory agencies. The broad issues arising in the evaluation are outlined as the specifics are discussed. (SLD)

Parents of 20 children with autism and 14 children with mental retardation, with comparable cognitive developmental levels, completed the Preschool Social Behavior Checklist. Results revealed that autistic children exhibited deficits in imaginative play, peer play, and imitation skills compared to the other group, and that parents are capable of…

To investigate whether there are 2 types of test-anxious students, those with poor study skills and those with difficulties in retrieving material, study skills training or anxiety desensitization were provided to 84 high test-anxious university students in Israel. Results support the theory of two types of test-anxious students. (SLD)

This study examined the effectiveness of peer collaboration in assisting 48 special education and 43 regular classroom teachers in developing and implementing alternative interventions for students with mild learning and behavior problems. Teachers using peer collaboration were found to have increased tolerance for the range of students' cognitive…

Discussion of the use of technology in distance education courses focuses on the evaluation of a two-week teaching trial between two college campuses in Australia that used compressed data interactive videoconferencing technology. Results for the adequacy of the physical presentation and student and staff perceptions are detailed. (14 references)…

A discussion of issues in assessment of college student performance, at a time in which emphases in higher education are changing substantially, examines three alternatives to traditional evaluation methods: self-evaluation, peer evaluation, and collaborative assessment. All three are seen as promoting a student-centered, criterion-referenced,…

Describes a study conducted in 1988 that investigated book availability in an academic library by providing a quantitative measure of library performance based on outcomes of card catalog searches and that can serve as a model for ongoing assessment in the library. Results are compared with earlier research from 1986. (Contains 12 references.)…

Discussion of assessment of student performance focuses on peer assessment and the development of a hypermedia-based peer assessment tool, the MUCH system, at the University of Liverpool (England). A study conducted with undergraduate computer science students that used the MUCH system is described, and student attitudes are discussed. (Contains…

A study investigated the consistency of faculty and peer evaluations of the oral communication skills of 44 fourth-year pharmacology students. Substantial agreement between faculty and students was found. Peer evaluations were independent of their own communication skills. In addition, a significant correlation between oral and written…

At a large university, faculty ratings in five academic areas were collected from two groups of students using paper-and-pencil or electronic survey administration. The two modes yielded similar factor patterns, with ratings influenced by academic area but not survey method. Students felt more anonymous using the paper-and-pencil method;…

Examines the Socratic method through a comparative analysis of early Platonic dialogs with theories of critical rationalism and cognitive theories based on achievement motivation. Presents details of the Socratic strategy of teaching and learning, including critical reflection, conversation, and intellectual honesty; asserts that these methods are…

Contends that comparison studies offer one important view from which to frame questions about the study of distance education. Responds to Farhad Saba's ("Toward a Systems Theory of Distance Education") major premises about distance-education research. (AEF)

Presents a novel application of analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques to compare the reliability of multiple peer ratings with single teacher ratings. Uses rating data from two different courses, both involving multiple peer and individual teacher ratings that were used to assess student contributions to group process work. Discusses…