A historical perspective is taken on the relatively recent field of curriculum evaluation in the hope that even a preliminary consideration of some historical aspects of this field might facilitate improved ways of conceptualizing and conducting curriculum evaluation. (BW)

Describes analysis of data obtained from junior science classes studying the Australian Science Education Project in Tasmania (Australia) in 1973. Test scores were obtained on the TOES and the TOUS. Results of the analysis are reported and interpreted. (RH)

Research on three classroom environment instruments is discussed, including predictive validity studies and criterion validity studies. A heuristic model involving curriculum, aptitude, environment, and learning is used to conceptualize the variables' roles in curriculum evaluation research. Evidence suggests that curriculum influences classroom…

Describes a curriculum evaluation model that includes a focus of evaluation and the method of evaluation. Identifies three distinct modes of evaluation: unstructured subjective observation, semi-structured consensus of opinion, and structured objective observation. Outlines the role played by curriculum evaluation in science education today. (GS)

Defines educational importance, multidimensionality, and economy to be essential criteria in the selection of attitude scales for curriculum evaluation. Five scales meeting the requirements are selected and tested with 1,158 Australian seventh-grade students. Scores on the attitude scales and correlations of scores with socioeconomic status,…

Many questions of interest to teachers, educational researchers, curriculum developers, and policymakers in science education can be asked about classroom environment. Does a classroom's environment affect student learning attitudes? What is the impact of a new curriculum or teaching method on the nature of a classroom's environment? Can teachers…

In this two-part article, attention is directed to the need for teachers to be concerned with curriculum evaluation, using both objective and subjective data. Data from an Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) trial are used to demonstrate techniques that the teacher might employ in objectively evaluating his own courses. (JR)

Reports results of an evaluation of a tenth-grade unit developed by the High School Education Law Project (HELP) in Australia. The study measured student attitudes toward the normality of judges, enjoyment of legal studies, and dynamic nature, influenceability, and comprehensibility of the law. Cognitive outcomes were also measured. (KC)

Evaluative information was collected about a history of mathematics project consisting of a play about Thales and an article about the history of conics. Methods included obtaining unstructured opinions of five experts, questionnaire responses from 39 teachers, and results of a test of affective and cognitive outcomes of 117 students. (CTM)

This book provides a retrospective account of the processes of curriculum development and evaluation of the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP), a venture which pioneered large-scale State-Commonwealth cooperation in education in Australia. The processes are described to identify practices for future curriculum initiatives. Important…

Describes the background and 38 steps of the development of the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP) Curriculum. Discusses some implications and eight points using formative evaluation to improve science curriculum materials. (YP)

Describes some of the conceptual, measurement, and methodological problems associated with evaluating science curricula in terms of their impact on students' content-free cognitive outcomes. A study of the effects of including ASEP (Australian Science Education Project) materials into a seventh-grade program revealed several significant…

This manual makes accessible several widely used instruments for measuring perceptions of psychosocial characteristics of classroom environment among school students and teachers. Background information, scoring procedures, validation data, and preferred and short forms of the Learning Environment Inventory, My Class Inventory, Classroom…

Provides an overview of the evaluation studies conducted on the Australian Science Education Project (ASEP). Six evaluation foci are used: (1) Curriculum development process; (2) Philosophy; (3) Materials; (4) Learning Environment; (5) Student Outcomes and; (6) Dissemination. (HM)

Considers curriculum evaluation studies in which perceived classroom environment characteristics were included among criteria of curricular effectiveness. Also reports several investigations in differences between students and teachers in their perceptions of actual and preferred classroom environments and draws together a diverse set of studies…