E-learning environments can store huge amounts of data on the interaction of learners with the content, assessment and discussion. Yet, after the identification of meaningful patterns or learning behaviour in the data, it is necessary to use these patterns to improve learning environments. It is notable that designs to benefit from these patterns…

This paper presents two studies in which an empirical approach was taken to understand and explain form generation and decisions taken in the design process. In particular, the activities addressing aesthetic aspects when exteriorising form ideas in the design process have been the focus of the present study. Diary methods were the starting point…

Teacher preparation programs (TPPs) are where prospective teachers gain a foundation of knowledge about pedagogy and subject matter, as well as early exposure to practical classroom experience. Although competence in teaching, as in all professions, is shaped significantly by on-the-job experiences and continuous learning, the programs that…

Part 1 of this monograph discusses the status of educational evaluation and describes several problems in carrying out such evaluation: (1) defining the educational setting, (2) defining decision types, (3) designing educational evaluation, (4) designing evaluation systems, and (5) defining criteria for judging evaluation. Part 2 proposes an…

Describes the evaluation of a new model for software evaluation that emphasizes the collection of student performance data to determine the extent to which students learn the knowledge a software package intends to teach. Discussion covers the results of two studies, evaluation criteria and methods, evaluator subjectivity in decision making,…

Authors described various theories and methods of evaluation, as well as issues of procedure. (Editor /RK)

Author points out some typical common problems encountered in evaluating projects and proposes some tentative solutions to them. (Editor/RK)

Suggests that successful evaluation projects for training programs focus on management decisions. Provides a checklist of concerns that deal with the effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of the program. Discusses the selection of the data level and decision-making criteria. (CSS)

Assesses the value of the Government Printing Office's 1983 "Biennial Survey" as a tool to support depository library planning and decision making. The survey data are evaluated in terms of reliability, validity, and utility, and recommendations are offered for improving the design, administration, and analysis of the survey. (CLB)

Results of data analysis on 470 journal titles illustrate complexity of the fuzzy set theory modeling process, which consists of three factors--number of missing issues, citations, circulations--and its limitations in making journal binding decisions. Procedures of research, data collection, and data analysis are discussed. Matrices are included.…

Factors involved in pre-planned and post-planned evaluation of program effectiveness are compared: (1) reliability and cost of data; (2) internal and external validity; (3) obtrusiveness and threat; (4) goal displacement and program direction. A model to help program administrators decide which approach is more appropriate is presented. (Author/MH)

Personnel at Saint Louis University's Department of Education have been theorizing, researching, and enlarging an approach to program evaluation that focuses heavily on the place of values in making judgments. This work originally stemmed from general curriculum evaluative theory developed by James H. McElhinney and Richard C. Kunkel. The content…

This paper proposes an evaluation design for Mercer County, West Virginia's state funded early childhood education program, which was initiated to replace independent kindergarten programs. An introductory discussion lists the broad goals of the program, three data collection time schedules, program variables that define the model of the program,…

Characteristics of population and economic measures as traditional social indicators are compared to more recent quality of life measures to demonstrate that social indicators are value statements at the policy level. Alternative perspectives are illustrated and the importance of assumptions implicit in a given indicator is discussed. (Author/MH)