Although the general conceptual basis appeared far earlier, theory-driven evaluation came to prominence only a few decades ago with the appearance of Chen's 1990 book "Theory-Driven Evaluations." Since that time, the approach has attracted many supporters as well as detractors. In this paper, 45 cases of theory-driven evaluations, published over a…

The dominant model of schooling is a technical-rational management model based on behavioral, positivistic, quasi-scientific language, which has shifted attention from the art and craft of teaching to the "science and technology" of teaching. However, this model and the language which it uses limit educational thinking. Emphasis on…

This book, which is designed to help adult educators in all settings determine the effectiveness of the teaching and learning occurring in their programs, uses real-life case studies to illustrate the application of an evaluation and accountability model based on the principles and concepts of popular education. The book begins with a preface…

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)

Discusses limitations of "Comparing Distance Learning and Classroom Learning: Conceptual Considerations," Smith and Dillon's physical science view of educational technology. Suggests that a systems approach is necessary to describe distance education and define a set of principles and rules for its effective use, as well as a set of criteria to…

"What gets assessed is what gets taught" is a common assertion whose meaning is often underestimated. It is not just "what" gets assessed, but "how" it is assessed that has implications for what is learned. When a child who is asked the meaning of his report card grades responds, "If I knew that I'd be the…

In reviewing the situation in social studies education in general and the place of social studies in the curriculum, this paper focuses on the concept of the evolving individual, a person characterized in social studies curriculum by encountering, decision-making, and taking action. Chapter I, a position statement, discusses the nature and goals…

An inquiry-based early childhood education (ECE) program focusing on the development of representational competence, guided by principles from Piagetian theory, and based on Sigel's (1970) distancing hypothesis is described, and issues of program evaluation are discussed. Principles and aims of the ECE program are stated, including, among others,…

Interviews with teams of teachers at two Australian technical and further education (TAFE) institutes (the Lawson Institute of TAFE Motor Mechanics and the Franklin Institute of TAFE Disability and Aged Care) were used to examine the theoretical and practical tensions experienced by TAFE teachers when making assessment judgments within the…

The paper provides a sketch of the development of phenomenological pedagogy as it has been represented in the Netherlands in the work of educators and psychologists at the Utrecht School. Phenomenology is the theory that behavior is determined by the interaction of personal experience with external reality. Proponents of the Utrecht School have…

The paper attempts to synthesise the features of the model for quality management in education based on the approaches spelt out in four well-articulated methodologies for the practice of quality in higher education. Each methodology contributes to different views of education from the learners' and the institution's perspectives, providing…

This book examines the rhetoric surrounding the notion of informal learning in order to expand debate about the uses of informal learning in workplaces and about attempts to "recognize" it through competency-based standards. The following topics are among those discussed in the book's eight chapters: (1) the nature of informal learning…