An alternative method for analyzing and evaluating prototype and revised instructional material is compared to traditional methods. The procedure and three approaches of sequential analysis are presented and advantages are discussed. References are included. (BK)

The author compares the basic features traditionally ascribed to aesthetic experience with the basic features of humor. He suggests that humor is best understood as a kind of aesthetic experience and that it should be valued as such in life and included in education. (Author/SJL)

Study compared teachers' attitudes toward human nature (trustworthiness, altruism, independence, and strength of will) with their interest in using affective methods. "Typical" prospective user of affective methods was female, with strong negative belief in the altruistic characteristics of people. (DS)

Eisner's educational criticism model produces a richer description of an English classroom than does Flanders' interaction analysis. (Author)

Presents a simplified method for teaching comparative advantage theory to undergraduate students through the use of algebraic language. (KC)

Two methods of teaching computation to undergraduates in a department of technology are described and the results are contrasted quantitatively and qualitatively. Conclusions indicate that a learner-directed discovery approach is best suited to this type of course. (Author/JEG)

The MEDA (Methodologie d'Evaluation des Didacticiels pour les Adultes) tool is a generic instrument to evaluate training courseware. It was developed for software designers to improve products, for instructors to select appropriate courseware, and for distributors and consultants to match software to client needs. Describes software evaluation…

Describes a study that computed the low performance standards for queries in 17 test collections. Predicted by the hypergeometric distribution, the standards represent the highest level of retrieval effectiveness attributable to chance. Operational levels of performance for vector-space and other retrieval models were compared to the standards.…

Six methods for fitting path models with weighted composites of variables replacing latent variables (of which five are easily implemented with conventional computer software) are introduced and related to "soft" modeling by Partial Least Squares. Criteria for comparing their performance are devised, and some evaluative remarks are…

Research on the effectiveness of counseling clearly shows that counseling is effective in relation to no-treatment and placebo control conditions. The effects of counseling, attained in relatively brief time periods, seem to be relatively lasting. There is little evidence or specific efficacy for particular techniques or counseling theories. (69…

Explains Web search agents as tools that apply intelligent agent software technology for the purpose of automating, improving, and speeding up online search operations. Topics include intelligent desktop agents; search agent marketplace; comparing Web search agents; subjective evaluations; and use by researchers. (LRW)

Compared three retrospective methods of measuring elementary school teachers' self-reported change in mathematics instructional practices. Teachers in a post plus retrospective pretest condition (reporting current and earlier practices) reported least change, followed by those reporting current practice and the degree and direction of change.…

Directly compared effects of positive and negative models in counselor training. Results from 47 counselor trainee graduate students suggest that negative modeling can produce training outcomes similar to those achieved by positive models. Recommends further investigation of the role of negative modeling in counselor training and provides specific…

The new quality assurance system for nursing homes implemented by the New York State Department of Health in 1981 was compared to the previous system. The new system devoted more resources to on-site activities and identified more patient-care deficiencies and more repeat deficiencies. (SLD)

Compares the strengths and weaknesses of four authoring systems that can be used for courseware development: (1) Quest; (2) PCD3; (3) IconAuthor; and (4) Course of Action. Evaluation procedures used to assess their power, ease of use, and productivity aids are explained; menu and icon structures are described; and interactive design implications…